How Nationalism Strengthens Military Effectiveness : The Case of Japanese Nationalism in the Russo-Japanese War 1904-05 (2024.12)
- Author : Sangsoo Lim
- Publication : Journal of Asiatic Studies
- Publisher : Asiatic Research Institute
- Volume : 30(3)
- Date : December 2024
Abstract: Despite the significant impact of nationalism on interstate conflicts, many existing studies on military effectiveness, defined as a state’s ability to convert its resources into military power, have paid relatively little attention to its role in shaping military effectiveness. This paper aims to address this gap by asking the following question: what effects does nationalism have on a state’s military effectiveness? By analyzing the case of Japanese nationalism and its impact on the Russo-Japanese War, this paper argues that nationalism can enhance a state’s military effectiveness in two ways: 1) by providing a source of motivation for military personnel, 2) by contributing to logistic support through effective national mobilization of the public. The findings not only enrich the study on nationalism and state power but also provide valuable insights for South Korean decision-makers, showing how ongoing interstate conflicts around the world that may affect South Korea’s national interests could unfold and highlighting the need to work towards mitigating nationalistic sentiments in its neighboring states.