The Post Cold War National Security Role of Japan

After the Cold War, we have entered a new era which is uncertain, difficult, and unstable. During the Cold War, world peace and the system of free trade have depended on the economy and military efforts of the United States. Today, however, the relative strength of the United States has declined and that of Japan and Western Germany has risen. It is no longer possible for the United States to support the international world order alone. In this difficult time, the most important objective is to contribute to prosperity, stability, and security around the world. Japan must perform a role equal to its position as the worlds second largest economic power, but its efforts to do so up to now, have met obstacles not only in Japan but also in East Asia. Japan has done much to maintain the stable world without using military forces. However, it is now time to identify Japans appropriate role in the political, economic, and military realms. This paper examines the most appropriate and practicable roles for Japan as an advanced country and recommends Japan provide military forces to peace keeping units on the same basis as other countries within specifically defined limits, expand its non-military aid, and maintain an adequate self defense capability.