Japan and a New International Security Paradigm

Argues that Japan has the potential to be recognized as a post-Cold War superpower, but has not been able to do so because of a lack of military/nuclear power and its alignment with the U.S. Discusses two security options, developing an offensive-oriented military and creating a new security paradigm based on United Nations–centered security and nuclear disarmament. Dismisses the first option as implausible and problematic and describes four areas, related to the second option, requiring steps for Japan to acquire superpower status: (1) advance the international perception that national pride may be raised by non-military use of science and technology, (2) make politically creative use of foreign assistance spending, (3) enlarge its role in diplomatic policy development, and (4) be willing to use engagement policies in its relations with the U.S. and other nations will nuclear weapons, such as tying trade concessions to participation in a global disarmament process.