Date of Award
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Morton, Jeffrey S.
Abstract
Japan is currently the country with the greatest ability to influence nuclear proliferation patterns via its own pursuit of nuclear weapons, making it vital to address the foundations and potential influence of Japan's nuclear decision. This analysis applies the history, as well as modern theories, of nuclear arms to conduct a case study of Japan's current status for the purpose of determining how likely Japan is to build nuclear weapons, what may cause it to do so, and what would happen if it did. The study examines numerous factors including Japan's technological and militaristic evolution, its psychological and political barriers to nuclear weapon development, international proliferation pressures, regional and U.S. relations, Chinese and North Korean security threats, the international implications of Japan's nuclear decision, the possibility of a clandestine weapons program, and how to prevent Japan from pursuing nuclear weapons.
Extent
151 p.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Douglas, "Japan's Nuclear Crossroads: The Decision to Pursue Nuclear Arms and What It Means for the World" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009. 1500.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_5/1500
Identifier
FA00000975
Comments
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters