The Reluctant Peacekeeper: Japan's Ambivalent Stance on UN Peace Operations

Journal article | Zeitschriftenartikel

The question of overseas deployment of the Self Defence Force (SDF) continues to be one of the most controversial issues in Japan’s foreign policy. This becomes particularly obvious with respect to participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Japan is caught between, on the one hand, the aspiration to contribute to international peace and security and, on the other, the need to adhere to the constitution, which renounces the use of force as an instrument of foreign policy. This has led to strict legal limitations concerning Japan’s participation in peacekeeping missions, resulting in significant practical problems in the field. Despite revisions of the legal framework, Japan’s contribution to peacekeeping activities remains severely limited, particularly with respect to so-called robust peacekeeping. Instead of gradually broadening the SDF’s activities, however, Tokyo would be better advised to strengthen its civilian contribution to peace operations.

Object Details

• Alternative title: Zögerlicher Friedensstifter: Japans ambivalente Haltung zu den Friedensmissionen der Vereinten Nationen
• ISSN: 1436-3518
• Extent: Seite(n): 37-55
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion; begutachtet

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Japan aktuell: Journal of Current Japanese Affairs(1)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Internationale Beziehungen ; internationale Beziehungen, Entwicklungspolitik ; Friedenssicherung ; Japan ; Außenpolitik ; UNO ; Friedenstruppe ; Gewaltverzicht ; internationale Sicherheit ; Friedenspolitik ; Rechtsgrundlage

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Stengel, Frank A.
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Deutschland
• (when): 2008

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-52867-3
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:27 PM CEST