Japan’s Smart Security Strategy – And Why Europe Needs to Catch Up Before It’s Too Late

How Japan’s Long-Term Approach to Defense is Shaping Global Security, and Why Europe Must Adapt Quickly to Stay Ahead

For years, Japan has quietly built one of the most formidable and sophisticated security strategies in the world, despite the constraints of its post-World War II constitution. While Japan’s constitution technically bans the country from maintaining a traditional military, the nation has masterfully navigated this limitation, developing one of the most advanced self-defense forces globally. By balancing its strategic partnership with the United States and reinforcing its own military capabilities, Japan has positioned itself as a key player in global security.

In contrast, Europe—relying heavily on U.S. support—has not invested enough in its own defense, leaving the continent vulnerable. Japan’s forward-thinking, practical approach to security stands in stark contrast to Europe’s more reactive stance. As geopolitical tensions escalate with threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, Europe’s delayed response to these dangers is becoming increasingly problematic.

Japan’s Strategic Balancing Act: Defense Without Provocation

Japan has long been a model of strategic defense and military pragmatism. For decades, the country adhered to a defense spending cap of about 1% of its GDP, a figure that, while modest, allowed Japan to invest heavily in air and naval power, missile defense, and cutting-edge cybersecurity. Despite its pacifist public sentiment, Japan has successfully modernized its self-defense forces to counter the growing regional threats without causing alarm.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government is taking this a step further, setting a clear path to double Japan’s military budget within five years. The goal is not to start a war, but to ensure that Japan is prepared to prevent one. This ambitious move represents a shift from a more cautious approach to a stance where deterrence plays a central role in national security.

The recent uptick in Japan’s defense capabilities also reflects its increasing focus on strengthening partnerships beyond its traditional alliance with the U.S. Japan has deepened security ties with Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. Additionally, Japan’s decision in 2015 to reinterpret its pacifist constitution to allow for collective self-defense marked a major policy shift, enabling Japan to act in unison with its allies in the face of mutual threats.

But perhaps the most significant shift is Japan’s move toward developing counterstrike capabilities—a concept once considered out of reach. This progressive approach to security ensures that Japan will be ready to defend itself not only with defensive capabilities but also with the offensive tools necessary to protect its interests.

Europe’s Reactive Approach: A Wake-Up Call in the Shadow of Russia’s Aggression

While Japan has steadily built its defense strategy over time, Europe has too often taken a reactive approach to security. For decades, many European countries assumed that their proximity to NATO and the U.S. would shield them from the need for substantial military investment. They believed that the U.S. would always be there to provide support and protection, an assumption that has proven to be dangerously shortsighted.

Recent events, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have highlighted Europe’s vulnerability and revealed the cracks in its defense infrastructure. Despite repeated calls for increased defense spending, NATO nations, especially Germany, hesitated to boost their military budgets until it was almost too late. Only after the brutal reality of Russia’s actions forced European leaders to reassess their defense policies did significant changes begin to take place.

Germany, one of Europe’s largest economies, began to reconsider its historically low defense spending and pledged to increase its military budget. However, the process remains slow and fraught with challenges. This delay in response has left Europe exposed, as it continues to depend on U.S. support, which, as the war in Ukraine has shown, may not always be limitless.

A Glimpse of Hope: A New Wave of European Action

While many European countries have lagged behind in defense spending, some nations are taking decisive action in response to the shifting global security environment. Lithuania, recognizing the urgency of the situation, plans to increase its defense spending to 5-6% of its GDP by 2026—the highest percentage in NATO. Finland and Sweden, two of NATO’s newest members, are also stepping up, bringing advanced militaries and strong defense industries to the alliance. Their strategic positioning in the Baltic and Arctic regions further strengthens NATO’s defensive posture.

These nations understand that the time for complacency is over. With growing threats on their doorstep and the increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape, they are reinforcing their security commitments with urgency and foresight.

The U.S. and Europe: A Fragile Partnership

A key lesson Europe is learning—albeit slowly—is that U.S. support, while substantial, cannot be relied upon indefinitely. The U.S. has proven willing to provide substantial military aid to Ukraine, but European leaders are beginning to recognize that they must enhance their own capabilities rather than assume the U.S. will always intervene in their defense.

The U.S. is increasingly focused on its own strategic priorities, and Europe must prepare for the possibility that American involvement in European security may not be as robust in the future. In this context, Europe’s security strategy must evolve to meet the realities of a multipolar world, where power is shifting rapidly and new challenges are emerging.

The Future of European Security: Lessons from Japan

The time has come for Europe to adopt a more proactive approach to defense, one that mirrors Japan’s long-term strategic vision. By prioritizing defense spending, investing in cutting-edge technology, and strengthening regional alliances, Europe can begin to build a more resilient security framework. While the financial strain caused by high inflation, mass migration, and slow economic growth may make it challenging to allocate resources to defense, Europe must recognize that the cost of inaction is far greater.

Japan has shown that investing in defense is not about preparing for war but about creating the conditions necessary to avoid conflict in the first place. Europe must embrace this mindset, rethinking its security policies, strengthening its military alliances, and ensuring that it can stand on its own in the face of rising global threats.

The question is no longer whether Europe can afford to invest in defense, but whether it can afford not to. As global security challenges mount, the time for Europe to act is now. If it does not, it risks falling behind—just as it has with Japan’s well-thought-out and forward-looking security strategy.

Conclusion: Europe’s Urgent Need for a Comprehensive Defense Strategy

Europe stands at a critical juncture in its security trajectory. The lessons from Japan’s pragmatic, long-term approach to defense cannot be ignored. Europe must stop waiting for external forces to dictate its security and start taking bold, decisive steps to enhance its own capabilities. Only through increased defense investment, strategic planning, and regional cooperation can Europe secure a future where it is no longer dependent on others for its safety. The window for action is closing—and Europe must catch up before it’s too late.