Panel Discussion Panel Discussion on the deployment of Japanese troops in Iraq, for or against Time: March 9, 2004　　　Place: Temple University, Tokyo Both discussants argued from the following perspectives. For: H. Ross Kawamura, New GEAR (New Global Initiatives with America) 　 (1) Reconsider Post War Diplomacy: Japan should reconsider its pacifist diplomacy, based on the constitution. It is time Japan took a much more assertive stance on foreign policy. (2) Win the Global Power Game: It is in Japan's national interest to reinforce the special relationship with the United States, and obtain a better position in the world through the following points. (a) Global leadership: Japan should demonstrate its willingness to do some hard work, if necessary. This attitude will make Japan America's most reliable partner, as Britain is. (b) Asia-Pacific leadership: Never make America choose any other country over Japan in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea, after Kim Jong Il, must be influenced strongly by Japan. (3) Operational Experience: For the "Big Stick Diplomacy" in the future, Japanese forces need some experience in the battlefield. (4) Successful Provisional Rule and Sovereignty Transition: For the global community, Iraqi people, and Japan's national interest, occupational rule must be successful. Japanese involvement will be helpful in making it legitimate and stable. Against: Shinsaku Nochi, Executive Committee, Peace Boat 　 (1) Violation of Japanese Constitution: In view of article 9 of the constitution, it is unacceptable to send Japanese troops overseas. (2) Violation of Iraqi Legal System: The occupational rule has devastated the Iraqi legal system and the rule of law. Therefore, Japan must not help American forces in Iraq. (3) Distrust from Asia: Asian neighbors are concerned with Japanese troops going aboard, which could lead to the rise of militarism again. (4) Reconstruction by NGOs: NGOs and international organizations are more suitable for reconstruction than armed forces. Since the Iraqi people hate occupying forces, the Japanese military presence will pose more danger to aid workers from Japan. Both parties had a vigorous debate on the constitution. In order to advocate Japanese military involvement, I quoted Robert Kagan's argument, contrasting Hobbes and Kant. As global politics is Hobbesian, I insisted that Japan be prepared for any kind of bloodshed, and never be obsessed with the useless pacifist article.