Discourse of Japan Constitutional Amendment under Shinzo Abe: Domestic Debate and International Response of Article 9 Revision

Kapitania Widya Imaniar, Usmar Salam

2015 | Skripsi | Ilmu Hubungan Internasional

ABSTRACT In a country, the Constitution works as a form of the most essential foundation of national law, which embraces all of types of legitimate law construction thereafter. Normally, the Constitution is a reflection of national identity. However, this circumstance does not apply to Japan. The Constitution encompassed by Japan, is a result of the World War history. Constitution 1947 is the successor of Meiji Constitution that is completely constructed by foreign intervention, namely the United States as the leading Allies Power. Obviously, Constitution 1947 presents a lot of debates since its enactment, particularly the debate on Article 9, which is reflecting Japan’s commitment to the renunciation of war. Through the time, main discussion over the Constitution is always about the idea of amendment. The idea of Constitutional amendment once again warms up due to decisions and political movements by Shinzo Abe in reviving his (and his party) main political interest, amending the Constitution. This undergraduate thesis would specifically analyse the discussion of Article 9 and its significance towards the Constitutional amendment in the second period of Shinzo Abe Administration. Therefore, the focus of the research would be relied on the position of Shinzo Abe as the major decision-maker of political issue, in this context, Constitutional amendment. The research would be examined through the framework of constructivism. The involvement of the state-actors would be determined on the perspective of domestic and international political players, such as ruling parties, media, public opinion, major allies, and surrounding neighbourhood. Keyword: Constitution 1947, Article 9, Renunciation of War, Shinzo Abe, Japan’s foreign policy, Self Defence Forces, Collective Self Defence, United States, Military Alliance.

Kata Kunci : Kebijakan Luar Negeri - Jepang