Seminar Series: Abstract

The challenge of Japan'’s security: Can't duality be normal?
Dr Donna Weeks - Lecturer, Japanese Studies and International Relations, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast

Japanese 'security' is under scrutiny. Article 9 of its 1947 'peace' constitution articulates definable limits on its military capabilities. Yet, self-defence forces, usually in a humanitarian role, are now deployed to overseas operations. During the Cold War, the idea of Japanese 'security'’ was characterised by tremendous economic growth, a US defence umbrella and the so-called Yoshida Doctrine. In the post Cold War international security environment, much scholarship and commentary on Japan has focused on Japan becoming 'normal' — a contestable notion. Having established an economically secure role, the expectation grew that in fact, Japan ought to be playing a stronger role militarily. In this discussion, the key terms 'security' (anzen hosho in Japanese) and 'defense' (boei) are used quite distinctly, at other times interchangeably. The first question this paper asks is whether or not we should pursue the difference between these two terms when it comes to understanding Japanese security. And secondly, when it comes to Japan’s perception of 'security' does it have to choose one or the other? In the new security setting, can't the Japanese approach to security be 'normal'?