Japan Rearmed: The Politics of Military Power

Smith's book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Japan's military modernization and its implications for the region and the world.
Sheila Smith's book, "Japan Rearmed," argues that Japan is reevaluating its dependence on the US as it modernizes its military in response to threats from North Korea and China. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Japan's military modernization and its implications for the region and the world.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The book begins with an overview of Japans military history,from its defeat in World War II to the present day. Smith then delves into the political and social factors that have shaped Japans military policy over the years,including the rise of the Liberal Democratic Party and the influence of the United States.
One of the key themes of the book is the tension between Japans desire for self-defense and its commitment to pacifism. Smith argues that Japan has struggled to balance these two goals because it is deeply embedded in its culture and history. Japan has long been seen as a model of peaceful coexistence,and its leaders have been reluctant to embrace military force as a means of achieving their goals.
However,as East Asian geopolitics has become more complex,Japan has been forced to confront the reality of its vulnerability. North Korean missiles and Chinese maritime activities have posed a direct threat to Japans security,and Japan has been forced to respond.
In response,Japan has begun to rearm its military,including the development of new missile defense systems and the acquisition of advanced naval vessels. It has also increased its defense spending,which has raised concerns among some in the United States.
Despite these efforts,Smith argues that Japan is not yet ready to use its military as an instrument of national policy. She notes that Japan has a long history of pacifism,and its leaders are deeply committed to the principles of peace and stability. Smith also points out that Japan is heavily dependent on the United States for its security,and any attempt to undermine this relationship could have serious consequences for both countries.
In conclusion,Japan Rearmed is a highly informative and insightful book that provides a comprehensive analysis of Japans rearmament and the politics surrounding it. Smith argues that Japan is not only responding to threats from North Korean missiles and Chinese maritime activities,it is fundamentally reevaluating its dependence on the United States as its leaders confront the very real possibility that they may soon need to prepare for war. The book is a must-read for US policymakers responsible for Asia,and it will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the complex dynamics of East Asian geopolitics.”
“The United States' alliance with Japan is widely regarded as one of its most significant relationships, with Washington considering it as one of its 70-odd alliances. In this insightful book, Smith delves into how the alliance is perceived by the Japanese, highlighting its increasing unreliability.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of the complex interplay between Japan's military heritage, politics, national sentiment, threats, and alliance with the United States. It sheds light on the formation and development of the Self-Defense Force, examining the factors that influenced Japan's decision to rearm and the challenges it faces in integrating its military capabilities into its national policy.

Even experts in the field will find new information and insights in this book. Smith's meticulous research and analysis provide a deep understanding of the dynamics that shape Japan's military policy and its relationship with the United States.

The book is particularly relevant for US policymakers who are responsible for Asia. It offers valuable insights into Japan's rearmament and the challenges it poses to the regional security landscape. By understanding Japan's perspective, policymakers can better navigate the complex dynamics of the region and work towards building a more stable and peaceful future.”

“Japan, known for its technologically advanced military, has grappled with the challenge of effectively utilizing its hard power as a tool of national policy. The lingering impact of World War II continues to haunt policymakers in Tokyo, while a fundamental shift in East Asian geopolitics has compelled Japan to reassess its commitment to pacifism.

In her book, "Japan Rearmed," Sheila Smith argues that Japan is not only responding to threats from North Korean missiles and Chinese maritime activities but is also fundamentally reevaluating its dependence on the United States. Smith delves into the historical, political, and social factors that have shaped Japan's military policy, including the rise

rise of the Liberal Democratic Party and the influence of the United States.

One of the central themes of the book is the tension between Japan's desire for self-defense and its commitment to pacifism. Smith contends that Japan has struggled to balance these two goals due to its deep-rooted cultural and historical beliefs. Japan has long been regarded as a model of peaceful coexistence, and its leaders have been reluctant to embrace military force as a means of achieving their objectives.

However, as East Asian geopolitics has become increasingly complex, Japan has been forced to confront the reality of its vulnerability. North Korean missiles and Chinese maritime activities have posed a direct threat to Japan's security, and Japan has been compelled to respond.

In response, Japan has begun to rearm its military, including the development of new missile defense systems and the acquisition of advanced naval vessels. It has also increased its defense spending, which has raised concerns among some in the United States.

Despite these efforts, Smith argues that Japan is not yet ready to use its military as an instrument of national policy. She notes that Japan has a long history of pacifism, and its leaders are deeply committed to the principles of peace and stability. Smith also points out that Japan is heavily dependent on the United States for its security, and any attempt to undermine this relationship could have serious consequences for both countries.

In conclusion, "Japan Rearmed" is a highly informative and insightful book that provides a comprehensive analysis of Japan's rearmament and the politics surrounding it. Smith argues that Japan is not only responding to threats from North Korean missiles and Chinese maritime activities but is also fundamentally reevaluating its dependence on the United States as its leaders confront the very real possibility of needing to prepare for war. The book is a must-read for US policymakers responsible for Asia, and it will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the complex dynamics of East Asian geopolitics.”

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 333 x 220 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674293953