An Evaluation of Japan's Security Policies from A Neoclassical Realism Perspective

Abstract

The 21st century marks a shift in global economic and political power from the West to the Far East. In this context, the political and economic relations between the United States, the current holder of economic and political power, and regional states seeking potential power such as China, Japan, and South Korea, are examined from various perspectives. The aim of this article is to analyze, from a neoclassical realist perspective, the political and security relations of Japan, a regional and global partner of the globally hegemonic United States, with both the US and other countries in the region. Content analysis was used in the study. Data was obtained from secondary sources such as books, reports, and articles. Our main finding is that, from a neoclassical realist point of view, Japan's understanding of security has initiated a transformation process that will trigger political and military tensions in the region.