Evolution of Japan’s National Security Policy under the Abe Administration

Abstract

Since the latter half of 2013, the administration led by Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has been developing a national security policy characterized by the following six points: (1) a systematic approach toward national security policy; (2) a National Security Strategy (NSS) with Proactive Contribution to Peace as its key concept; (3) a Dynamic Joint Defense Force as the goal in the defense buildup; (4) a seamless response to “gray zone” events as an operational concept; (5) reconstruction of the legal basis for security; and (6) serious consideration of the trends in the regional security environment represented by the US rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region and China’s rise.