noun
defense; apologetics; championship
Refers to a written or spoken argument defending a person, idea, or position. Often used in formal, academic, or debate contexts. The gloss 'championship' is rare and implies active advocacy.
彼はその政策の擁護論を展開した。
He presented a defense of that policy.
キリスト教の擁護論を学ぶ。
I study Christian apologetics.
弁護 is legal defense or pleading, whereas 擁護論 is a broader argumentative defense, not limited to legal contexts.
Compound of 擁護 (defense, protection) and 論 (argument, theory).