Japan

• Main Author: Gonen, Hakan
• Other Authors: Yurdusev, Nuri Ahmet
• Format: Others
• Language: Eng
• Published: METU 2013
• Subjects: H General Social Sciences 1-99; Japan; Ontological Security; East Asia; State Identity
• Online Access: http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12615372/index.pdf

This dissertation aims at exploring and analysing the effects of Japan&rsquo === s trust-based relations in the region of East Asia in the post-Cold War period within the framework of its anti-militaristic state identity and outlook. The main research question is based on how the Japanese policy makers constructed the meaning of the post-Cold War period, opening the ways and ideas to solidify the anti-militaristic state identity and posture. In this sense, Japan provides a significant case study for examining ontological security. The main argument of dissertation is based on building up Japan&rsquo === s ontological security structure in the regional context. Since the end of the Second World War, Japan has pursued an anti-militaristic state identity and posture. This attitude has been the guiding principle of Tokyo&rsquo === s foreign and security policy. In this dissertation, for the continuance of anti-militaristic identity successfully in the post-Cold War period, Japanese policy decision-makers have both configured and further sustained the country&rsquo === s trust-based relations with neighbouring countries in the region. This dissertation was analysed under the five main headings except the introduction chapter: (1) The historical background telling the story of anti-militaristic identity and posture of Japan, (2) Japan&rsquo === s emerging human security agenda in the Post-Cold War period, (3) Japan&rsquo === s cooperative initiatives at the regional level by focusing in particular on APEC and ARF. (4) Japan&rsquo === s relations with the significant others for its identity preservation. (5) The conclusions.