| ID | 136578 |
| Title Proper | Should Japan go nuclear? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Panda, Rajaram |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In view of the changing security environment in Northeast Asia, stemming from China’s assertiveness in regional issues and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, the threat perception in Japan has considerably heightened. This has triggered a debate domestically in Japan about whether it is an appropriate time to review its nuclear option as a means of deterrence. Such thinking presupposes that confidence
in the U.S. extended deterrence has started eroding or has weakened. There are various political strands to this issue and there is no consensus yet reached to make
the change officially possible. If Japan does indeed initiate a change in policy seriously, it would make the United States uncomfortable. But given the strong anti-nuclear sentiment in Japan, it would be difficult for any government of any party to sell the idea to the people. The domino effect of such a policy change would be seen almost immediately in South Korea and Taiwan, making Northeast Asia the world’s most nuclearized region. This would also mean the abrogation of the security alliance relationship with the United States. Given Japan’s capability in terms of capital, technology and possession of sufficient spent fuel needed for making the nuclear bomb it would be possible for Japan to make a nuclear bomb, but it would be a politically dangerous move and therefore inadvisable. Though it would remain theoretically possible, the debate would remain as an academic exercise for quite some time. This essay makes an attempt to study this complex issue as objectively as possible. |
| `In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defense Analysis Vol.26, No.4; Dec.2014: p.407-426 |
| Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol: 26 No 4 |
| Standard Number | Public Opinion |