The Issue of Japanese presence in Iraq: Determinants and Manifestations

Abstract

This study tackles the issue of the Japanese presence in Iraq, its determinants and manifestations. The study analyzes the developments and changes in Japanese politics. Japan has witnessed an active political and parliamentary movement after the cold war that aimed at utilizing the transformations in the nature of the world order created by the new phase to emerge from the stereotype that accompanied Japan throughout that period and to achieve Japan's national interests. Therefore, Japan's primary objective is to play an active role on the world stage parallel to its global economic power and its financial and investment contributions. Japan has eliminated internal and external obstacles that prevent it from playing an active global role. The Iraqi issue was one aspect of Japan's policy development towards the Arab region and a testament of the decisive shift in Japan's global policy. Sending Japanese Self-Defense Forces and contributing to reconstruction efforts were the most important features of this transformation and the manifestations of Japanese presence in Iraq.