U.S. Bases in Japan: Do We Still Need Them
Abstract
While U.S. bases in Japan remain vital to the security of America's Pacific interests, Soviet peace initiatives and domestic budget deficits have forced a reexamination of U.S. security policy with its reliance on overseas basing. The American force structure in Japan, the unique Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, the Japanese 'comprehensive security' strategy, and threats to U.S. interests in the Pacific are described. The importance of the bases to the National Security Strategy, and their role in executing the Maritime Strategy in a global war against the Soviet Union are analyzed. Prospects for retention of the bases are positive, but are threatened by the divisive trade issue, a perceived Japanese free ride on defense, charges of one- way technology transfer, a changing political balance in Japan, a diminished threat perception in both countries, and Soviet desarmament initiatives. Recommendations to perpetuate basing rights include severing trade-defense linkage; encouraging Japan to assume a greater role in international affairs, expand its defense forces, increase its overseas development assistance, and pay more U.S. basing costs; and promoting joint U.S.-Japanese weapons development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA236552
Entities
People
- James L. Mitchell
Organizations
- Naval War College