Analysis of key factors driving Japan’s military normalization
Authors
Prosser, David L.
Subjects
influence of prime ministers
Japanese Self-Defense Forces
military industrial complex
military normalization
Northeast Asian Relations
Japanese Self-Defense Forces
military industrial complex
military normalization
Northeast Asian Relations
Advisors
Weiner, Robert
Date of Issue
2017-09
Date
Sep-17
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Japanese military normalization is a complex process it is not too far from the truth to say it might represent a transformation of the nation and for any such complex process there are multiple impetuses. This thesis is organized by a categorical step-by-step analysis of the key driving factors of Japan’s normalization. The areas of prime ministerial leadership, regional security threats, alliance issues, and military-industrial complex were chosen because of the encompassing nature of their influence on the future of the Japanese military. The potential of what could be perceived as an obvious and overwhelming threat to the Japanese people, vis-à-vis some Chinese or North Korean aggression or threats to Japanese citizens abroad, does not seem to be enough to sway the opinions of millions of Japanese from their deeply ingrained pacifist ideology. Only the right recipe of factors can affect the prevalence of this pacifist ideology, and security issues and economic factors have to be presented in the proper light by a strong and charismatic leader with well-defined goals. The evaluation of each of the four chosen driving factors of Japan’s military normalization reinforces their position as main drivers and provides weight and insight to their sustainability and the future of Japanese security.
Type
Thesis
Description
Reissued 27 Sep 2018 to reflect updated abstract on pages i and v.
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.