The problem of Japan's self-defence forces participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations in 1990-1992

The article is devoted to a significant event in the military history of Japan in the post-Cold War era, paving the way for the transformation of the security policy of this state. Due to the nature of the defence policy of Japan regarding the constitutional limitations, the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) of Japan since their inception in 1954 had had very specific status and functions. The situation began to change in the early 1990s, when the transforming international environment and domestic political processes contributed to the passage of the Act on cooperation for United Nations peacekeeping operations and other operations in 1992. With that Act overseas activities of the SDF started. The legislative procedure for the Act was very complicated and took a long time because the positions of pacifism in Japan are traditionally strong, but the revisionist-minded politicians led by Ichiro Ozawa managed to achieve their goal. The situation in the domestic and foreign policy of Japan at the time played favourable for them. First, it became clear that the Yoshida doctrine (accelerated economic development under the protection of the United States), which determined the development of the country after World War II, did not fit the new situation in the world. Second, the 1991 crisis in the Middle East served as an impetus for the transformation of Japan's policy in the security realm. Participation in the peacekeeping mission in the multilateral coalition forces led by the United States and sanctioned by the United Nations could be a real opportunity for Japan to set a precedent and overcome the resistance of the supporters of the Yoshida Doctrine. After a long debate period in the Diet the Act passed, but with significant restrictions forbidding the Japanese soldiers to execute basic tasks of peacekeeping forces. But most important was the fact that a political precedent was finally set. Thus, the legal basis for sending the SDF abroad was founded in 1992. The Act was the first in a series of those concerning security and international stance of Japan (for example, acts authorising the dispatch of the SDF to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of U.S. military operations). The Act demonstrated Japan's intention to abandon the traditional isolationism in defence policy, as well as the political will and political capital of the Japanese leaders, sufficient for such a significant change.

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