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Presents an analysis on the political economy of antimilitarism in Okinawa, Japan. Efforts of the government of Japan and the U.S. in addressing antimilitarism; Link between norms and self-interest recognized by constructivists; History of Okinawa's culture of antimilitarism.

The article examines the anti-base social movement in Okinawa, Japan during the 1990s. It begins with an discussion of the mechanisms for social movement impact and degree of state insulation. It then argues that the base policy outcome of the 1990s, that is the return of the Futenma Air Station on condition that the Japanese government build a replacement facility in northern Okinawa, happens when the movement's alternative policy is not entirely acceptable to the states and pro-base interest groups.