JAPANESE REARMAMENT IN THE 1990S : MAJOR CONSTRAINTS AND CHOICES

Abstract

In the past forty years or so, Japan has not only made a remarkable recovery from her war-tom economy but also went on to become an economic giant in the world. In such a short period of time, her own defensive needs and security posture have changed, in view of the changing international situation and her economic performances. From a defeated nation in World War II whose pacifist constitution forbids her from settling international disputes through the use of force and the maintenance of any war capability, it is indeed surprising to see Japan becoming the ·world's third largest defense spender in the world. Her military capabilities have expanded to the extent that she is even perceived by many as a potential regional military power, one that is not only capable of repelling any external attacks but more importantly, a potential aggressor able to conduct offensive warfare far beyond her shores. It is more surprising when Japan is one such unique nation that faces a lot of strong constraints, both at the domestic and external levels, on its attempts to rearm itself So, the question to ask is how is this possible? How did Tokyo manage to beef up its military might in the face of such strong constraints? Or are these constraints not strong at all? It is the focus of this Academic Exercise to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the major constraints, both domestic and external, in their roles as limitations placed on any attempts by Japan to rearm itself in the past as well as in the 1990s. What choices are there for Tokyo to choose from in further efforts to strengthen its Self Defense Forces in the 1990s? This will also be looked at. The issue of Japanese rearmament is an important one in contemporary history. Given the economic status of Japan, given the fact that Japan is expected to play a greater role in both global and regional affairs, its security posture and defense policies are a growing concern among many countries, especially among its American ally and the Asian countries. Will there be a revival of Japanese militarism, in the face of the expansion of its military capabilities? Will Japan embark on another regional expansionist campaign? These are some of the issues that we have to deal with when we talk about Japanese rearmament. Hopefully, this Academic Exercise can provide a better understanding on the topic of Japanese rearmament, especially in the 1990s.