About the product
Although Japan is among the United Nations' most enthusiastic supporters, it has only recently begun to send its Self-Defense Forces to assist UN peace operations. In this study, experts unravel the political and legal complexities that bedevil Japanese officials in their attempts to cooperate with these missions. A comprehensive historical overview of Japan's peace-keeping policy provides readers with background to understand this contentious issue. The study also offers a detailed look at Japanese participation in recent UN peace operations and at the complex decision-making process that preceded this. It also presents an in-depth analysis of the legal aspects of Japan's peace-keeping policy, particularly the constraints under which policy makers operate. The final section details Japanese and civilian participation in UN peace operations.