Beyond Pacifism - Why Japan Must Become a Normal Nation (Hardcover)

The so-called "pacifist clause" of the Japanese Constitution (Article 9) binds "the Japanese people forever to renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes." Beyond Pacifism argues that Japan must either repeal Article 9, or face a future in which Japan might be compelled to surrender sovereign authority in order to appease one or more of its immediate neighbors. If Japan cannot free itself of the constraints of its constitutional pacifism and choose to become a "normal" nation, willing and able to defend itself and its interests, it must endure what former Prime Minister Koizumi describes as the "peace of slaves." Since 1952 Japan has followed the path of "reinterpreting" Article 9 in order to work around its pacifist strictures. Many Japanese party leaders--including prime ministers Abe and Koizumi--have called for Article 9 to be revised by the addition of a clause authorizing the use of force for the purpose of self-defense against aggression directed against the Japanese nation. Most foreign commentators and scholars urge Tokyo to continue to work around Article 9 without amendment. By contrast, the author argues that neither "reinterpretation" nor revision will allow Japan to counter the growing military threats from North Korea and China. Japan's health as a democratic state, contends Middlebrooks, requires an honest re-alignment of its law with its modern national identity, which is "normal" and no longer poses a militaristic threat to regional stability.

General

Imprint:	Praeger Publishers Inc
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	June 2008
First published:	June 2008
Authors:	William C. Middlebrooks
Dimensions:	235 x 155 x 19mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	176
ISBN-13:	978-0-313-35524-0
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > Asian / Middle Eastern history > General Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > International relations > General Books > Social sciences > Warfare & defence > Defence strategy, planning & research > General Books > History > Asian / Middle Eastern history > General Promotions
LSN:	0-313-35524-X
Barcode:	9780313355240

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