Defense policy of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the early 21st century

摘要

This thesis analyzes the defense policy of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the early 21st century. The primary research question is 'Should the defense force structure of the JMSDF in the early 21st century remain the same as it has been in the last 10 years?' To answer this question, I made a brief analysis of current and future prospects for Japan and her neighboring countries in terms of their politics, diplomacy, economy and military. These countries included China, North and South Korea, Russia and the U.S. Finally, I evaluated the cost of baseline and alternative force structure. The alternative force structure may require some revision of current legal limitations and increased defense expenditures. Japan, however, should undertake this correction not only for her own security needs, but also to make a more equitable contribution to ensure the Japan-U.S. security arrangement viable in the coming decade.