After the end of World War II and the signing of the Postdam Declaration, Japan was required to disarm, dismantle and discard their war potential. The Japanese government reformed their defense into the Self-Defense Forces to deal with any problems that may happen in the mainland, but they were strictly banned from deploying outside their homeland.
The original intentions of Japan’s defense troops have changed in recent years due to changes in the international world. The JSDF have deployed on non-combatant peacekeeping missions and their provocative deployment to Iraq to help out on the reconstructive efforts. Also the geo-political arena has changed. Japan and the U.S. are concerned with the various problems facing both nations. The nuclear aggression of North Korea, the rise of China’s political, economic and militaristic juggernaut, not to mention core contemporary challenges within the basic framework of U.S.-Japan relations.
How do we assuage old ghosts and confront new realities? From a unique insider perspective, William H. Swanson, CEO of Raytheon, one of the world's largest defense contractors, comes to Japan Society to discuss the relationship with Japan, challenges of the 21st century, and how to maintain our amiable long-lasting friendship. The luncheon takes place Wednesday, October 6 at 12:30 pm, with the discussion starting promptly at 1:00.
More about Swanson and Raytheon in this recent Barron's article.
S.H.
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