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

Japan has been one of the most skilled players in global security for years. Although its constitution, written after World War II, technically bans it from having a traditional military, Japan has still managed to build one of the most advanced self-defense forces in the world, placing it among the top military spenders globally. 

It has done this by carefully balancing U.S. security support while strengthening its defenses—without alarming a pacifist public. In contrast, Europe over-relied on U.S. protection and misjudged American public support, leaving it vulnerable.

Japan has taken a practical and long-term approach to security. Until recently, it limited defense spending to about 1% of its GDP, yet it still made smart investments in air and naval power, missile defense, and cybersecurity. Now, with growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, Japan is taking its defense more seriously. It has committed to doubling its military budget within five years—not to start a war, but to prevent one.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government is boosting domestic defense production and strengthening security ties with Australia, India, the U.K., and other countries beyond the U.S. Japan, however, has been preparing for years. In 2015, it reinterpreted its constitution to allow collective self-defense, meaning it could act alongside allies. More recently, Japan announced plans to develop counterstrike capabilities—something that would have seemed impossible a decade ago.

The difference? Japan plans, while Europe responds. 

Japan’s long-term strategy contrasts with Europe’s more reactive approach, where many countries assumed they could afford to deprioritize defense. Recent events have challenged that assumption. Despite repeated calls for increased military investment, NATO countries—especially Germany—hesitated until forced to shift policy. Despite economic strength, many European nations have allowed their armed forces to decline. Germany decided to increase defense spending only after Russia invaded Ukraine. Even now, the process is slow.

While some European nations have lagged, others recognize the urgency of action. Lithuania will boost defense spending to 5-6% of its GDP by 2026, the highest in NATO. As new NATO members, Finland and Sweden enhance the alliance with strategic Baltic and Arctic positioning, advanced militaries, and strong defense industries. These moves show an understanding of the urgency of reinforcing security commitments in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Europe’s wake-up call came in 2022 when it became clear that U.S. support for Ukraine—while substantial—was not unlimited. European nations increasingly recognize that they must enhance their capabilities rather than assume the U.S. will intervene or support them. At the same time, high inflation, mass migration, and slow economic growth are making it difficult for European governments to maintain their social programs and compete globally.

Japan understands that investing in defense is essential. Europe must start thinking the same way.  Doing so is the key to a secure future.

Written by Lisa Gable.
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