Japan abandons 80 years of pacifism: how the global security system is changing
In light of the fragmentation of the global order, Japan is abandoning pacifism for the first time in 80 years, indicating a significant transformation in the global security system. Changes in Japan's defense policy are occurring against the backdrop of new regional security alliances in Europe and Asia, as well as changes in the United States national security strategy during the Trump administration. These factors indicate new challenges and opportunities for countries seeking to ensure their security.
Japan has adopted an unprecedented military budget, bringing it closer to 2% of GDP. This decision corresponds to the new realities that the country faces amid rising threats in the region. As Ukrainian diplomat Serhiy Korszunsky notes, the Japanese understand that the U.S., while present in the region, may not always be ready to defend Japan in the event of a conflict:
'The Japanese have already realized that the Americans, while present in the region, may leave them alone if something happens.' Serhiy Korszunsky
Simultaneously with these changes, the United States is considering a new Monroe Doctrine regarding the Western Hemisphere. This indicates that the global security system is transitioning into a new phase, where traditional alliances may be threatened due to Trump's policies, which became critical for the global order in 2025. The necessity for the formation of new regional security alliances, such as the cooperation of Germany, Israel, and Cyprus based on gas, highlights this transformation.
Changes in Japan's defense policy
In the context of Japan's new strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan, the question arises of how countries can find an optimal balance of security. Serhiy Korszunsky notes:
'We must understand that small states can also find a balance if the correct one is found.' Serhiy Korszunsky
Thus, changes in Japan's defense policy and the strategic decisions of other countries indicate that the global security system is undergoing significant changes that could affect international relations in the near future.
Japan's abandonment of pacifism could become a landmark moment in shaping a new architecture of global security. The growing tensions in the region and the changing approaches to defense policy could prompt other countries to reconsider their strategies. This underscores the importance of regional cooperation and adaptation to new challenges facing the global order.