The Japanese Panopticon. How the Japanese intelligence services conquered Manchuria

Abstract

Recent studies in post-war reconstruction neglect the significance of intelligence in statebuilding. Nevertheless, the intelligence network of the ruling party has significant impact on the success of statebuilding. Moreover, this paper shows the constraints of intelligence theory, since it is primarily based on western intelligence services. The Japanese demonstrated the possibilities of intelligence and, here, particularly of espionage. This paper proves this statement by researching the Japanese creation of the Manchurian state. The Japanese accomplished the build of a newly founded state – Manchukuo – by means of a complex and extensive network of spies. The intelligence network created a panopticon construction in which citizens were urged to self-discipline as punitive forces otherwise would and was thus used as a means to oppress and control the region. In short, this historical research demonstrates the Japanese implementation of the Foucauldian idea of ‘discipline society’ to build a state cunningly accomplished by espionage as its tool.