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Prof. Chris Hughes quoted in The Japan Times
Prof Chris Hughes, Head of Department, was quoted in an article appearing in the June 11th edition of The Japan Times entitled 'Security bills’ credibility hobbled by suspicious explanations and reporting: scholars.'
'I think there is no doubt that Japan’s security policy should undergo some change because the security environment around Japan is becoming quite difficult with the rise of China, North Korea, and the relative decline of U.S. power and the quixotic nature of U.S. grand strategy,” Christopher Hughes, a professor of international politics and Japanese studies at Britain’s University of Warwick, said in an email. “The former status quo is not tenable.'
However, while backing some changes, Hughes believes Abe’s push is “quite radical,” as opposed to other scholars who see the administration’s moves as highly limited and maintaining continuity.
“Personally, I would like to see Japan pursue a genuine path of proactive contribution to international peace — not the Abe brand — which means great efforts at multilateral diplomacy, human security and UNPKO (United Nations peacekeeping operations) . . . as well as some careful strengthening of JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) capabilities.”