A watershed moment in Japan's security strategy

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed Tokyo to revise policies, and stirred debate on constitutional change and the hosting of nuclear weapons

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine is causing repercussions well beyond Europe. This includes Japan where, in a matter of days, foreign and security policy has undergone several significant changes.

Policy towards Russia has, not surprisingly, been revised. Yet, even more notable is the acceleration in Japan's development as a proactive security actor. This is a welcome contribution to defending the rules-based international order.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 12, 2022, with the headline A watershed moment in Japan's security strategy. Subscribe