Legitimising Proactivity: Japan’s Use of the FOIP in Defence Export Policy
Japan’s security policy has transitioned through three distinct phases: passive, active and now proactive. Initially, Japan adhered to a defensive stance, avoiding active engagement beyond its borders. In the active phase, Japan began taking limited regional and global responsibilities, though its actions remained reactive. This period hinted at a move towards ‘normalisation’, yet significant limitations persisted. In the current proactive phase, Japan has adopted a leadership role in regional and global security, with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) policy playing an important legitimising role as a source of widely accepted norms. This paper uses Japan’s Defence Export Policy as a case study to highlight its security evolution and the role of the FOIP narrative in legitimising its proactive stance.
- Shahana Thankachan |
- September-October 2025 |
