The Article 9 Pacifism Clause and Japan's Place in the World

Abstract

Many argue that the Article 9 pacificim clause in the Japanese constitution is an impediment to Japan assuming its rightful place in the world's current power structure as it unduly restricts the deployment capabilities of Japanese armed forces. But until Japan adequately atones for the wartime atrocities it committed half a century ago, the geopolitical provocation of Article 9 renunciation is too high a price to pay for any perceived benefits.

Keywords: Article 9, Japan, renunciation, Japanese, war, World War II, Second World War, atonement, China, Korea, Taiwan, NATO, collective security, Abe, Liberal Democratic Party, MacArthur, defense treaty

JEL Classification: K33, K39