In the nuclear age, Japan’s diplomacy surrounding nuclear weapons has provided a compelling paradox. On the one hand, the deterrence theory under the U.S. nuclear umbrella has been central to Japan...Show moreIn the nuclear age, Japan’s diplomacy surrounding nuclear weapons has provided a compelling paradox. On the one hand, the deterrence theory under the U.S. nuclear umbrella has been central to Japan’s security policy. On the other hand, Japan has proven to be extensively involved in promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in the global system. This is especially the case under the current Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida’s term, during which he made it a priority. These intentions will be thematically analysed in his speech at the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and from the G7 Leaders Hiroshima Vision on nuclear disarmament. However, global geopolitical tensions and increasing regional security concerns have led some to believe Japan’s approach to nuclear weapons and its security alliance with the U.S. will have to evolve. Consequently, this paper will examine the intersection of neo-realism and neo-liberalism to understand Japan’s position and prospects.Show less
