1st Edition
Japan from Koizumi to Abe Do Leaders Matter in Constitutional Reform
This book studies national security strategies introduced by the Koizumi administration (2001–2006) and the second Abe administration (2012–2020). Drawing on the common themes of ‘normalization’, constitutional revision, in particular Article 9, and the right of collective self-defence, the volume examines through the theory of neoclassical realism how and why the national security initiatives of the two administrations are different in their extent of normalization of Japan. It shows how the policies were influenced by the respective Prime Ministers who responded to the international environment surrounding Japan during their tenure and were also shaped by internal concerns.
The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of Asian studies, politics and international relations.
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
1 Introduction
2 Theoretical Foundations and Core Concepts
3 International and Domestic Background of the National Security Initiatives by the Koizumi and the Second Abe Administrations
4 National Security Initiatives of the Koizumi Administration
5 National Security Initiatives of the Second Abe Administration
6 A Comparative Study of the National Security Initiatives of the Koizumi and the Second Abe Administrations
7 Future Outlook for the Post-Abe Administrations
Bibliography
Appendix: List of Interviews from March 2017 to February 2018
Index
Biography
Ka Mei Samantha Ma is a legal professional in Hong Kong and an academic with research interests in the study of the international relations of Japan, China studies and the law and politics of Hong Kong. She has taught at various universities in Hong Kong and has publications in English and Chinese.
