Japan and the international humanitarian system: In the periphery by design, principle or strategy?
| Published date | 01 December 2021 |
| Date | 01 December 2021 |
| DOI | 10.1177/20578911211058141 |
| Author | Oscar A. Gómez |
| Subject Matter | Special issue articles |
Japan and the international
humanitarian system: In the
periphery by design, principle
or strategy?
Oscar A. Gómez
College of Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University,
Japan
Abstract
This article aims to explain why Japan has been at the periphery of the international humanitar ian
system, at least for the past two decades. Based on a review of the main features of the country’s
historical involvement in humanitarian crisis response, I suggest two main reasons: 1) the difficulty
for Japan to adapt to the kind of institutions created after the end of the Cold War, mainly by
Western actors, and 2) Japan’s preference for an integral approach to crisis management, using
multiple international cooperation means, which falls outside of the present humanitarian diplo-
macy paradigm. As this paradigm comes into question, Japan can influence the emerging humani-
tarian system, particularly through the promotion of crisis management ownership and long-term
commitment backed by multiple financial means.
Keywords
humanitarianism, international cooperation, humanitarian diplomacy, crisis management, human
security, global governance
Introduction
Japan has been at the periphery of the international humanitarian system, at least for the past two
decades. This marginal role is manifest at financial and recognition levels. Despite being a major
official development assistance (ODA) donor, its humanitarian funding is erratic, varying
Corresponding author:
Oscar A. Gómez, College of Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, 1-1 Jumonjibaru, Beppu, Oita,
874-8577 Japan.
Email: oagomez@apu.ac.jp
Research article
Asian Journal of Comparative Politics
2021, Vol. 6(4) 315–329
© The Author(s) 2021
Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/20578911211058141
journals.sagepub.com/home/acp
To continue reading
Request your trial