Politics and Policy

Cutting-edge analysis and comment from the world's oldest defence and security think tank

Politics and Policy: A collection of RUSI articles on the developments in Japanese domestic politics and policy that have had regional implications.

Articles

Japan - Strategic Developments, Fuel and Alliances
While Japan is experiencing political paralysis, the political debate and news coverage focuses largely on the daily political minutiae and not the broader strategic political issues at hand.

The role of Japan in regional and world security

The End of Abe
Fears that Japan will again play a militaristic and negative role in world affairs are misplaced and outdated. Modern Japan is deeply imbibed with democratic and human rights values.

Japan's Self Defence Conundrum: National Defence Programme Guidelines
A growing movement proclaims Japan's security posture should now be 'normalized' to allow force deployment in a combat role. What are the future possibilities then for Japanese military activities beyond domestic territories?

Koizumi’s Legacy
Come September, Koizumi, one of the longest governing Japanese Prime Ministers, will step down. What legacy does he leave for his successor?

Japan's Defence Policy: Basic Principles and New Initiatives
Peace Support Operations can be one of many promising areas where Japan and the UK can co-operate more in the future.