ABSTRACT
The Soviet Union in recent years has engaged in a military buildup of significant dimensions in the subregion of Northeast Asia. Japan maintains a military establishment and defense posture of remarkably low profile for a country of such immense economic and political importance, both regionally and globally. Political opposition to closer security cooperation between the United States and Japan seems to have lessened. The basic principles of the Japanese Constitution include the maintenance of a liberal democratic political system, striving for international cooperation, and the solidification of peace. A nation may, of course, choose to fundamentally revise its constitution, but such a move is not possible given the present domestic political alignment and situation in Japan. US political/military presence in and commitment to the Asian/Pacific Basin region are essential to the security of the area. The Soviet Union in recent years has strengthened its military power and presence both quantitatively and qualitatively in the Asian/Pacific Basin region.
