Credible Nuclear Deterrence for Japan

The credibility of the U.S. nuclear deterrent extended to Japan has decreased in recent years due to the declining role of nuclear weapons in U.S. strategy. The U.S. nuclear guarantee is an important element of Japan's security strategy, and the United States should maintain it. To reassure Japan of U.S. nuclear commitments without provoking domestic Japanese opposition or potential adversaries, the United States should improve the perception of its resolve to defend Japan with nuclear weapons while continuing to pursue ballistic missile defenses and modest nuclear arms reductions. This will strengthen U.S. Japan alliance bonds, reduce the likelihood of nuclear proliferation, and reduce the threat of nuclear attack against Japan and U.S. forces based in Japan.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'Credible Nuclear Deterrence for Japan' with ISBN 9781423538301 and ISBN 1423538307.