Japan: Ask Not What America Will Do for You…

In his 2014 article for The Diplomat, Robert Dujarric critiques Japan’s reliance on the United States for security, urging Tokyo to assume greater responsibility for its own defense. He argues that beyond constitutional reinterpretations, Japan must increase defense spending, enhance military capabilities, and engage more actively in regional security initiatives. Dujarric emphasizes that a more proactive Japan is essential for maintaining a balanced and stable security environment in East Asia.

Dujarric warns that Japan’s passive stance could undermine the U.S.-Japan alliance and embolden regional adversaries. He advocates for Japan to move beyond its postwar pacifism and contribute more substantively to collective security efforts. The article serves as a call to action for Japan to evolve its defense posture in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics.