Regionalization of Defense in Comparative Perspective: Legal Analysis of the Cases of Japan and Spain
Abstract
This article aims to present a comparative study on the regionalization of defense policy in Japan and Spain from a legal perspective. Although both states constitutionally assign defense to the central government, they differ significantly in their political structures: Japan follows a centralized unitary model, while Spain combines this unity with a high degree of decentralization through the extensive powers granted to its Autonomous Communities. The article examines the constitutional and legal frameworks governing defense in each country, as well as the impact of regional autonomy (or its absence) on the formulation and implementation of defense policies, taking into account geopolitical factors such as Spain’s membership in NATO and the pacifist constraints imposed by Japan’s Constitution. The aim is to offer a comparative view of how two distinct political models balance national defense with regional governance.
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In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Mirai. Estudios Japoneses is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.
