Occupation diplomacy in Japan after World War II: Is there relevance to current occupation efforts

The occupation of Japan is the last successful occupation of a significant country by the United States. Success for the purpose of this paper is defined as the reconstruction of a nation economically, redefining it socially, and that nation rejoining the community of nations. The importance of the analysis of the post World War II occupation determines if the techniques used by the United States represented the sole reason for the success of the occupation of Japan or were there other factors resulting in the success. Japan's ethnic, religious, and cultural differences from the United States at the time of the occupation caused its selection for analysis as opposed to Germany.; The research has been conducted by library reading and website searches as part of the overall study of international relations. Research methods used are case studies of the defeat and occupation of Japan after World War II and the defeat and occupation of Iraq ongoing since 2003.; The conclusion indicates the political, social, and economic environments of the allies and the subjugated countries have as much or more to do with the success of the occupation than United States' techniques alone. Two elements stand out. First without a formal surrender by the government the population may be willing to fight on in some fashion because the leadership has not surrendered. Second without strong political support at home indicated by the press expressing satisfaction with actions taken and the rest of the world in agreement there will be sniping at the agenda followed by the United States' government. In the era of instant communication, dissent can give support to United States' enemies and can cause turmoil in the occupied country.