From Self-Defence to Deterrence: The Quiet End of Japan's Postwar Experiment

 

Author : Manoj Joshi

Published: Apr 28, 2026

 

Japan’s decision to lift its ban on lethal arms exports marks the culmination of a gradual but profound shift from post-war pacifism to a deterrence-driven security posture shaped by a harsher regional order

 

Even as the world’s attention is on West Asia, significant developments have been unfolding in the East. On April 21, Japan endorsed scrapping a ban on the export of lethal weapons, the last major hurdle in its move away from its post-war pacifist policy. As part of this shift, the country is now seeking to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with its defence partners.

 

For full article, please open the link:

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/from-self-defence-to-deterrence-the-quiet-end-of-japan-s-postwar-experiment

 

 

IRSEA AND ORF ARE PARTNERS.

The opinions expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA