Japan Debates Preparing for Future Preemptive Strikes against North Korea = Japan Debates Preparing for Future Preemptive Strikes against North Korea

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

North Korea`s ballistic missile tests in July 2006 and its subsequent nuclear test in October have heightened Japan`s threat perceptions of North Korea. Tokyo has sought to address the threat through the nuclear nonproliferation regime and international arms control law. However, inadequate solutions from Tokyo`s perspective have led to Japanese discussions of acquiring a military strike capability that potentially could preempt a North Korean missile attack. We review the North Korean missile and nuclear tests, as well as the international response before turning to the domestic legal and political constraints to Japan`s acquisition of offensive strike capabilities. Finally, we explore some of the practical difficulties for Japan in conducting such a military application, as well as the implications for the U.S.- Japan alliance.