Introduction

Japan became the world’s second power in economic terms in 1968, 23 years after the end of World War 2. In the early 1990s, the Japanese government realised that its economic weight provided no influence in the field of international security. Japan remains heavily dependent on the United States for nuclear deterrence. Japan has ballistic missile defence, and good air and sea defences, but China has attack submarines, aircraft carrier and fourth generation fighters. Japan is keenly aware of the importance of international organisations as a power enhancer. They have been determining elements of its international rehabilitation after 1945. Japan’s power under Prime Minister Abe has been strengthened. Prime Minister Abe also came to power in 2012 as an advocate of Constitutional reform, though that is not why he was elected. Prime Minister Abe has also strengthened diplomatico-defensive ties with regional partners since a 2015 reform. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.