JAPAN DEFENSE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN RESPONDING TO NORTH KOREA BALLISTIC MISSILE TESTS (2009 - 2017)

Abstract

Title: Japan Defense Policy in Responding to North Korea Ballistic Missile Tests (2009-2017) International political environment has diverse and complex elements in it, making it inseparable to conflicts and clashes. The states have their own preparations to face these conflicts and clashes, whether it is in economic, diplomatic, or defensive sense. Japan, as a state, cannot be separated from the conflicts and clashes in international political environment, including in its own region of Northeast Asia. One of the clashes Japan experiences in Northeast Asia is with North Korea, related with North Korea ballistic missile tests. In order to respond to this threat, Japan needs to prepare its defense and security through its defense policy, including Japan military power. Preparing, moreover improving military power is not something that Japan can do easily. The Article 9 of Japan Constitution puts some restrictions on the improvement of Japan military as it is considered a war potential. This study analyses Japan strategic environment and its threat perceptions towards the region, particularly on North Korea ballistic missile tests from 2009 to 2017. This study also analyses Japan national interest regarding the case, which leads to the analysis on Japan defense policy, and finally Japan military power and strategy. At the end of this study, there is conclusion on how North Korea ballistic missile tests are threatening Japan security, what Japan national interest regarding the case, and how Japan prepares its defense policy and military power to respond towards North Korea ballistic missile tests.