Nuclear Deterrence in Japan

Analyze how a country with strong anti-nuclear norms and a pacifist constitutional legacy should think about nuclear deterrence when its security environment changes. Compare at least three policy paths: maintaining strict non-nuclear principles, relying on extended deterrence from allies, and keeping a latent nuclear option without crossing legal or political lines. For each path, assess strategic benefits, escalation risks, legal constraints, alliance implications, and domestic legitimacy. End by recommending a decision framework that would help policymakers navigate this debate over the long term.