Japan’s Defense Buildup and the US-Japan Alliance: Toward a More Effective Deterrence

Growing uncertainty in the security environment in East Asia makes it critical that Japan double down on its effort in developing its defense capability to buttress the US-Japan alliance and enhance deterrence.  LGEN Koichiro Bansho (ret., JGSDF), who played an essential role as the Commanding General of JGSDF Western Army as JGSDF started its effort to rebalance its force posture, will share his thoughts on Japan’s defense strategy and his perspective on the recent efforts in the defense buildup, followed by comments by Dr. Thomas G. Mahnken, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic Budgetary Assessment.