Analysis of Japan's Revised National Security and National Defense Strategy for the North Korean Case

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Politics - Region: South Asia, grade: A, Nanyang Technological University (S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)), course: Nuclear Politics in Asia, language: English, abstract: This paper will address the following research questions: To what extent will Japan's adjusted strategy (Independent Variable) have an impact on the deterrence effectiveness (Dependent Variable) and the security dilemma/ stability-instability paradox (Intervening Variables)? During 2022, Japan (JAP) saw deteriorating security dynamics with North Korea (NK) regarding missile tests, plans for building the world's strongest nuclear force, and bellicose rhetoric. These provocations aimed at compelling JAP to refrain from further conducting military exercises with the US and South Korea and reconsidering plans for "fundamentally" strengthening its "defense capabilities" and a "substantial increase of Japan's defense budget". In turn, JAP chose these measures to respond to NK's continued violations of UN Security Council resolutions and increased threat perceptions. That culminated in the revision of its "National Security Strategy (NSS)"/ "National Defense Strategy (NDS)" on 16 Dec. 2022, which aims at reinforcing the deterrence posture to 1) dissuade attacks against JAP or its US ally and 2) resolve the (nuclear) missile armaments/ test issue.