Japan's emergence into western security doctrine: U.S. - Japan defense cooperation, 1976-1986

The dissertation traces Japanese security policy, nuclear strategy, defense policymaking structure and defense technology sharing primarily between 1976 to 1986 in which Japan evolved into a contributor to United States strategy. Chapter One, based on a number of American and Japanese primary sources, is the first complete analysis in English to trace the evolution of Japan's interpretation of its "peace article," of its postwar constitution. It examines court decisions on the constitutionality of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the evolution of government interpretations on what forces are considered constitutional.;Chapter Three on the recent expansion of U.S.-Japan defense consultation and cooperation relies on interviews conducted in Tokyo and on primary research provided by the United States Embassy in Tokyo, U.S. Forces Japan and the United States Department of Defense.;Chapter Four is a construction of Japan's nuclear strategy which has evolved in the last decade. It traces Japanese policy from passive recipient of the United States extended deterrent to subtle supporter of U.S. deployment policies.;Chapter Five outlines the current Japanese policymaking structure.;Chapter Two argues postwar Soviet security policy toward Japan attempts to isolate and neutralize Japan and can be witnessed in both Soviet writings and Soviet military posture and actions in the region.;Chapter Six was enriched by materials provided to me by Mrs. Dorothy Emmerson, compiled by her late husband John K. Emmerson, former Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, United States Department of State. I benefited greatly from Mrs. Emmerson's thoughtfulness.;Chapter Seven is a comprehensive analysis based on the implications of recent trends in U.S.-Japan security cooperation. It attempts to make coherence out of a dissertation written in an interdisciplinary approach. Indeed the dissertation reflects the Fletcher School's penchant to examine policy issues from multiple viewpoints and disciplines. Law, politics, history and strategy are all discussed where relevent. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).