Japanese Political Economy and International Relations

4 SKS, SPHII212254

Course Description

Since the end of World War II, Japan has emerged as the world’s second-largest economic power after the United States (US). Japan’s success in achieving economic development in a relatively short time is considered a miracle. Many countries (especially developing nations) consider Japan an ideal model for economic development in latecomers. What political-economic conditions and international relations enabled Japan to achieve high economic growth and become the first non-Western country to successfully industrialize? How did Japan respond to the opportunities and challenges it faced in the political-economic and international relations system? Why did the Japanese model fail in the 1990s to respond to various changes in the global political economy? And why did Japan ultimately become the world’s second-largest economic power in the 2000s, leaving Japan in third place?

This course is designed to examine theoretical approaches and empirical studies on Japanese political economy and international relations. Key lessons in policymaking and Japan’s experience in achieving economic development and industrialization will be comprehensively examined. Next, we will examine Japan’s empirical experiences in international relations across various regions, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The main focus of this study is the political-economic structure that governs relations between government and society, as well as Japan’s response to the changing circumstances of the international political-economic order. Furthermore, we will discuss how this international structure influences Japan’s foreign policy in the economic, political, and security spheres. Specifically, this lecture will focus on Japan’s declining position as an economic power in East Asia, which is beginning to decline.

Expected Learning Outcome

Explain, review, and critique theoretical approaches to studying Japanese political economy and international relations, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical approach.
Comprehensively understand the phenomenon of Japan’s successful economic development as a global economic power and reflect on this for other countries (especially developing countries) that aspire to emulate it.
Understand the problems facing Japan in the political economy and international relations system, analyze the causes of Japan’s decline as an economic power in the East Asian region, and propose solutions in the form of available policy options, in written or oral explanations.