Japanese security policy: Commitments, priorities, and ambitions

The current Japanese government led by Prime Minister Abe Shinzō is undertaking a major reorientation of Japanese security policy. This is largely being done in response to the emergence of a more threatening regional security environment, and especially in response to Chinas growing assertiveness. But what is the exact nature and extent of the change so far? How are these reforms reshaping Japans security priorities, ambitions, and commitments? And do these changes reflect a new strategic consensus in Japan regarding the nature of both the external challenges faced and the internal changes required. In addressing these questions, I outline the overall shape and contour of Japans changing security reforms and try to provide a picture of how these reforms link, or fail to link, together. I argue that the reform process so far suggests that, contrary to past expectations of Japanese strategic adaptability, Japan is struggling to come to terms with Asias transition from a hegemonic to a contested order.