Democracy and Japan

In this reevaluation of his previous book, Hrebenar explores the political attitudes, election laws and the role of political money in Japan, historically as well as in context of the post 1993 changes.

In 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally to the United States and its allies, thereby planting the seed from which would spring one of the world's most successful and stable democracies. In an age when democracy is often pursued, yet rarely accomplished, in which failed democracies are found throughout Africa, Latin America, and Asia, Japan's transformation from an utterly defeated military power into a thriving constitutional democracy commands attention. It has long been assumed that postwar Japan was largely the making of America, that democracy was simply imposed on a defeated land. Yet a political and legal system cannot long survive, much less thrive, if resisted by the very citizens it exists to serve. The external imposition of a constitution does not automatically translate into a constitutional democracy of the kind Japan has enjoyed for the past half-century. Apparently Japan, though under military occupation, was ready for what the West had to offer. Ray A. Moore and Donald L. Robinson convincingly show that the country's affirmation of democracy was neither cynical nor merely tactical. What made Japan different was that Japan and the United States-represented in Tokyo by the headstrong and deeply conservative General Douglas MacArthur-worked out a genuine partnership, navigating skillfully among die-hard defenders of the emperor, Japanese communists, and America's opinionated erstwhile allies. No dry recounting of policy decisions and diplomatic gestures, Partners for Democracy resounds with the strong personalities and dramatic clashes that paved the way to a hard-won success. Here is the story of how a devastated land came to construct--at times aggressively and rapidly, at times deliberately and only after much debate-a democracy that stands today as the envy of many other nations.

Japan's economic system is one in which public service is highly valued; state bureaucracy attracts the best, young minds; and 'economic guidance' by the state is both accepted and ubiquitous. As explained here with rare lucidity and historical depth, Japan's economy is not likely to falter.

"No account of this fascinating story is more intimate & authoritative, from both the Japanese & American perspectives, than Koseki's splendid prize-winning study. This is history & history writing at the highest level." John W. Dower Author of War Without Mercy: Race & Power in the Pacific War

"By highlighting issues not typically raised in comparative politics texts, Charlton has provided us with a novel approach to Asian politics. Putting gender issues, environmental concerns, & ethnic divisions on center stage enables students to see ways in which Asian societies are maintaining their connection to the past while forging into the future. A singular & important new textbook for all who teach Asian & Pacific Rim courses." Jean C. Robinson Indiana University

What is the future of Asian democracy? The Asian Crisis and ongoing globalization suggest that traditional governance is increasingly questioned. Compton explores Asian politics through a cultural lens, and he tests an Asian political development model through quantitative analysis and comparative case studies of Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.