The evolutionary road of Japanese peacebuilding efforts: Challenges and prospects

This article examines the capacity of Japan’s peacebuilding activities within United Nations peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief. Japan has made advancements in its peacebuilding activities for United Nations (UN) missions, but there is still room for improvement. There have been changes in Japan’s approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding under the UN flag due to evolving international political conditions and increased demands for conflict resolution. The Shinzo Abe administration implemented a more proactive security policy focusing on contributing to peace. This shift led to changes in Japan’s security policy, including an expanded role for the Japanese Self-Defence Force (SDF) in peacebuilding efforts internationally. This article evaluates Japan’s involvement in various initiatives and examines the challenges and opportunities it faces in supporting peacebuilding endeavors.