The Construction of Japan’s Post-War Position within the Asia-Pacific Security Situation

　　Abstract: Following World War II, Japan has had to create a new national identity, in addition to recreating its national interests, and rebuilding its position within the Asia-Pacific security structure. Japan realized its position within the Cold War security framework on the basis of the US-Japanese security alliance, and this has also been the basis for it to define its position within the Asia-Pacific Regional order. Japan has already transitioned from maintaining a low-key position within the region to becoming a flourishing state with ambitions to take on a leading role as a major power within the Asia-Pacific security regime. At present and for the immediate time to come, Japan will maintain its strategic objective of achieving a leadership position within the regional security framework. It is important to point out though that maintaining the US-Japan alliance at the center of Japan’s identity will have negative effects. This is particularly the case as the constitution of the Asia-Pacific security structure will be impacted in turn by the identity that Japan forms.

　　Author: Qu Caiyuan is a PhD Student in the Chinese Academy of Social Science