•  
  •  

Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 17 > No. 4 (2024)

 

Author Biography

Prachi Lokhande is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for International Politics, Organization, and Disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her research interests encompass Foreign Policy Analysis, Intellectual History, Non-traditional security and Energy Studies. Formerly, she held the position of associate researcher at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi, where she worked on a book project titled "The Role of Nuclear Energy in India's Energy Basket."

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.17.4.2295

Subject Area Keywords

East Asia, Nuclear weapons and nonproliferation, Security studies, Sociocultural dynamics in security, Strategy

Abstract

The discourse concerning global nuclear issues amidst the escalation of geopolitical crises, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of nuclear dilemmas. The perception that nuclear weapons are indispensable for assuring survival in an unstable international environment generates increased concern. Aggression or the threat to the existence of a nation may motivate nations to construct nuclear arsenals. As a result of discontent with existing non-proliferation mechanisms and the conviction that proliferation is inevitable, discussions concerning nuclear alternatives are propelled. Diverse considerations, including security, prestige, and politics, motivate nuclear pursuits. Probing the nuclear intentions of states is a challenging endeavour due to the capricious nature of nuclear latency, which can vary from latent capability to circumspect acquisition. International regulations, financial investment, and technical intricacy are barriers that function as discouragements against the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Nevertheless, the nuclear status quo is facing opposition from evolving motivations and dwindling deterrents. The article conducts a comprehensive examination of the Japan case, delving into the ways in which historical traumas, security imperatives, and global responsibilities shaped its non-nuclear stance. Despite its latent capabilities, Japan maintains its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its security alliance with the United States. Discussions regarding the reassessment of nuclear determinations are influenced by geopolitical shifts and the continuous emergence of global uncertainties. Japan's societal sentiments, which have been significantly influenced by its historical context, remain adamantly opposed to nuclear weapons, despite the continuous discussions sparked by external threats. The case study provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay between geopolitical, security, and domestic factors that impact the development of nuclear policy within a constantly changing global context.

Download

Share

COinS