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Political Science General

Japan as a 'Normal Country'?

A Nation in Search of Its Place in the World

edited by Yoshihide Soeya, David A. Welch & Masayaki Tadokoro

Publisher
University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Initial publish date
Jun 2011
Category
General, Asian, General
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781442642539
    Publish Date
    Jun 2011
    List Price
    $62.00
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781442611405
    Publish Date
    Jun 2011
    List Price
    $39.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442694255
    Publish Date
    Jun 2011
    List Price
    $29.95

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Description

For decades, Japan's foreign policy has been seen by both internal and external observers as abnormal in relation to its size and level of sophistication. Japan as a 'Normal Country'? is a thematic and geographically comparative discussion of the unique limitations of Japanese foreign and defence policy. The contributors reappraise the definition of normality and ask whether Japan is indeed abnormal, what it would mean to become normal, and whether the country can—or should—become so.
Identifying constraints such as an inflexible constitution, inherent antimilitarism, and its position as a U.S. security client, Japan as a 'Normal Country'? goes on to analyse factors that could make Japan a more effective regional and global player. These essays ultimately consider how Japan could leverage its considerable human, cultural, technological, and financial capital to benefit both its citizens and the world.

About the authors

Yoshihide Soeya is a professor in the Faculty of Law at Keio University.

Yoshihide Soeya's profile page

David A. Welch is CIGI Chair of Global Security in the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo.

David A. Welch's profile page

Masayuki Tadokoro is a professor in the Faculty of Law at Keio University.

Masayaki Tadokoro's profile page

Editorial Reviews

‘This is a superb volume that anyone interested in today’s key debate about Japanese foreign policy must read.’

Pacific Affairs, vol 86:01:2013

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