Japan as a 'Normal Country'?: A Nation in Search of Its Place in the World

Yoshihide Soeya

ISBN 10: 1442611405 / ISBN 13: 9781442611405

Published by University of Toronto Press, 2011

About this Item

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Seller Inventory # B9781442611405

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Japan as a 'Normal Country'?: A Nation in Search of Its Place in the World
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1442611405
• ISBN 13: 9781442611405
• Binding: Paperback / softback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 370 grams

About this title

Synopsis

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 Author

Yoshihide Soeya is a professor in the Faculty of Law at Keio University. David A. Welch is CIGI Chair of Global Security in the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo. Masayuki Tadokoro is a professor in the Faculty of Law at Keio University.