THINKING ABOUT THE UNTHINKABLE.

The article considers the political and security implications should Japan become a nuclear power. The authors report that scientific and political commentators have remarked that, if Japan should choose to pursue such a course, it could acquire nuclear weapons in a matter of days or weeks since they have available supplies and scientific knowledge. The article also discusses the likelihood of Japan developing a nuclear arsenal, how such weapons would affect their foreign relations with countries including the U.S. China, and North Korea, and an analysis of the balance of power in Asia.