NSPR7 Japan's Security Choices and Korea's Path

Overview

The East Asia Institute National Security Panel (Chair: Ha Young-sun, EAI Director) has published its 7th issue, "Japan's Security Choices and Korea's Path." This issue was primarily authored by Park Cheol-hee, a member of the panel and professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University. The report emphasizes that Japan's new Defense Program Outline warrants close attention as it reflects changes in 21st-century foreign and security strategy.



The new Defense Program Outline, announced on December 10th of last year, posits that while the possibility of military confrontation between states has significantly decreased due to the emergence of new threats, threats from non-state actors such as international terrorist organizations are increasing. A key characteristic is its specific mention of North Korea and China as traditional state-based threats. Japan's security choices in response to these threats are analyzed as focusing on expanding Japan's international standing and role, while thoroughly relying on the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Author

Park Cheol-hee, Professor at Seoul National University