Changing Perceptions of Extended Deterrence in Japan

James L. Schoff Other Publications November 20, 2012 Strategy in the Second Nuclear Age
Summary
The U.S. nuclear umbrella is only one component of America’s security commitment to Japan. Forward defense deployments, cooperative missile defense development, stepped-up intelligence sharing, and diplomatic and political visits are all components of extended deterrence.
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Writing in Strategy in the Second Nuclear Age, Carnegie's James Schoff offers a fresh assessment of thinking in Japan about nuclear weapons and extended deterrence following North Korea’s nuclear tests, with emphasis on the circumstances under which Japan would seriously consider or actually acquire a nuclear capability.  He also explores recent nuclear deterrence debates in Japan from a historical context, and it recommends ways that U.S. policy makers can reassure their Japanese counterparts as to the durability and viability of America’s security commitments.

The chapter looks beyond just the nuclear component of extended deterrence with regard to Japan. Indeed, U.S. reassurance of its nuclear umbrella over Japan is only one (albeit important) component of America’s security commitment to Japan. U.S. forward deployments in East Asia, missile defense development with Japan, stepped-up intelligence sharing with Japan, U.S. preemptive strike policies vis-à-vis North Korean missile launch pads, and diplomatic/political visits and signaling are all components of extended deterrence, among others.

A detailed understanding of how Japan can and might approach the nuclear question in response to current and future events is critical for the proper orientation of America’s security policies in East Asia and for a well-functioning U.S.-Japan alliance.

Strategy in the Second Nuclear Age is available for purchase through the Georgetown University Press.

Comments (1)

 
 
  • CaptD November 26, 2012 11:49 AM
    Many believe that Japan has long had all the components for many nukes, because "having them" assembled is now illegal under Japanese law! Some even believe that there was a secret Nuke Lab at Fukushima, which is one of the reasons that TEPCO has been able to keep everyone out of the area and essentially been able to control how Japanese Government is handling that debacle.
     
     
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Source: http://carnegieendowment.org/2012/11/20/changing-perceptions-of-extended-deterrence-in-japan/elpy

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