JAPAN AND THE BOMB: PERSPECTIVES FROM SOUTH ASIA
Loading...
Authors
Newman, Sean A.
Subjects
Japan
nuclear
proliferation
Pakistan
India
nuclear
proliferation
Pakistan
India
Advisors
Meyskens, Covell F.
Date of Issue
2019-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the nuclear motivations of three states (Japan, India, and Pakistan) and asks whether Japan may acquire nuclear weapons moving forward. The analysis found that, for Japan, nuclear restraint stemmed from U.S. security guarantees, which supplemented a mercantilist national strategy. With Japan secure, the country could pursue an economic policy, which made nuclear acquisition costly and counterproductive. India’s nuclear acquisition, on the other hand, was driven both by desire to acquire international status and underlying security concerns from two hostile, nuclear-armed neighbors: China and Pakistan. Lastly, Pakistan’s nuclear acquisition was motivated by security concerns, namely a deep distrust and antagonism toward a conventionally superior India, which it viewed as an existential threat. Pakistan initially sought security through alliances; however, the failure of those alliances to assist Pakistan at critical junctures convinced Pakistan to acquire nuclear weapons to ensure its survival. The thesis concludes that reducing a state’s proclivity for nuclear acquisition requires addressing security concerns and grievances related to status and economic well-being. Thus, while it is unlikely Japan will consider nuclear acquisition in the near term, the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance is an essential component to ensuring that Japan’s nuclear motivations remain weak.
Type
Thesis
Description
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.