Introduction: The Pursuit of “Integration” and “Robustness” in Japan’s Peacekeeping Policy

Abstract Here we will present two research questions: first, why did Japan suddenly discontinue a quarter-century history of troop contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs) in 2017; second, is there any possibility resuming large-scale military deployment. Hypothetically, argue that Japan’s retreat from South Sudan 2017 should be regarded not as the revival old anti-militarism but recent tendency reluctance among Global North countries, concerning personnel deployment UNPKOs. Since start 1992, had deployed only limited under strict constitutional ban. To overcome this situation, tried trace global trends “robustness” and “integration”: former encourages more proactive use arms for peacekeepers remove obstacles UNPKOs, while latter promotes peacebuilding-like roles along with cooperation civilians. In late 2010s, however, could no longer accommodate international trends, mainly due increasing insecurity UNPKOs today. Likewise, other countries also become hesitant We falls common trend countries.