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Japanâ??s New National Defense PolicyThe end of the Cold War and the aftermath of September 11 gave Japan the opportunity to clarify its international position on security issues. Progressively, Japan has enacted new legislation to reinforce its national defense policy and has strengthened its military and technological cooperation with its sole ally, the United-States. These movements apparently do not challenge Japanâ??s constitutional philosophy, which forbids it from making war (article 9 of the Constitution) and orients its security policy exclusively toward defense. Increased Japanese participation in military action within the United Nations framework or in relation with military coalitions without the backing of the United Nations suggests that Japan is now more at ease as far as international security politics is concerned, after years of non-engagement in this field. It also signals a new national confidence in politicians and post-war democratic institutions.