Compellence and the Strategic Culture of Imperial Japan

Cultural influences significantly shape how decision-makers respond to threats of force in international security. The study presents a theoretical framework and examines three pivotal historical cases involving Japan's behavior. It details the 1895 triple intervention by Russia, Germany, and France, which compelled Japan to return the Liaotung Peninsula, and analyzes the 1941 oil embargo and the 1945 efforts by Washington to end World War II. These cases illuminate the often misunderstood actions of Japanese leaders during critical moments in history.