Japan’s Emerging Global Role in the Post Cold-War Period

Abstract

Japanese security policy during the Cold-War period has been influenced by a number of factors. The 1947 Constitution, strong public pacifism and domestic politics have been responsible for shaping the Japanese security policy during this period. An important change has occurred in Japan’s security policy in the post- Cold War era. Popular thinking is changing in Japan. During the Cold War period there was a general perception that the country should have minimum defense capability to protect and defend its territory. In the post Cold-War period, there is domestic and international demand for greater Japanese contribution to international security. This paper examines Japan’s emerging global role and focuses on the shift in Japanese security policy in the post-Cold War period.