Japan's Aging Peace: Pacifism and Militarism in the Twenty-First Century

Japan has not remilitarized since World War II, but many question whether it should due to regional and global challenges. Tom Phuong Le's book "Japans Aging Peace" argues that demographics and changing perceptions of security have led to an antimilitarism culture that constrains Japan's foreign policy. He challenges the opposition between militarism and pacifism and suggests that multiple militarisms can legitimate choices such as peacekeeping operations. The book provides new insights for scholars of Asian politics, international relations, and Japanese foreign policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Since the end of World War II, Japan has not sought to remilitarize, and its postwar constitution commits to renouncing aggressive warfare. Yet, many inside and outside Japan have asked whether the country should or will return to commanding armed forces amid an increasingly challenging regional and global context and as domestic politics have shifted in favor of demonstrations of national strength.

Tom Phuong Le offers a novel explanation of Japan's reluctance to remilitarize that foregrounds the relationship between demographics and security. His book, "Japans Aging Peace," demonstrates how changing perceptions of security across generations have culminated in a culture of antimilitarism that constrains the government's efforts to pursue a more martial foreign policy.

Le challenges a simple opposition between militarism and pacifism, arguing that Japanese security discourse should be understood in terms of "multiple militarisms," which can legitimate choices such as the mobilization of the Japan Self-Defense Forces for peacekeeping operations and humanitarian relief missions. He highlights how factors that are not typically linked to security policy, such as aging and declining populations and gender inequality, have played crucial roles.

Le contends that the case of Japan challenges the presumption in international relations scholarship that states must pursue the use of force or be punished, showing how widespread normative beliefs have restrained Japanese policy makers. Drawing on interviews with policy makers, military personnel, atomic bomb survivors, museum coordinators, grassroots activists, and other stakeholders, as well as analysis of peace museums and social movements, "Japans Aging Peace" provides new insights for scholars of Asian politics, international relations, and security studies.

In conclusion, Japan's reluctance to remilitarize is a complex issue that is influenced by a range of factors, including demographics, security perceptions, and domestic politics. Tom Phuong Le's book "Japans Aging Peace" offers a novel explanation of this reluctance that highlights the relationship between demographics and security and challenges the conventional understanding of militarism and pacifism. By examining the case of Japan, Le provides new insights for scholars of Asian politics, international relations, and security studies that can help us better understand the challenges and opportunities facing countries in the 21st century.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231199797