Japan's Subnational Governments in International Affairs

by Purnendra Jain

Overview

This book moves away from the common belief that Japan’s international relations are firmly the preserve of the national government in Japan’s highly centralised political system. Examining examples of subnational governments (SNGs) across Japan the book uncovers a significant and generally unrecognised development in Japanese politics: SNGs are ever more dynamic international actors as national borders ‘weaken’ across the world. Exploring what Japanese SNGs do, where they do it, and why, the book considers the implications of these factors for Japan’s international relations and domestic politics.

By bringing to light the scope and consequences of the international actions of Japan’s SNGs, this book provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the country's foreign policy, at a time when it is pursuing a broader and more active profile in international affairs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134316786
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/13/2006
Series:	The University of Sheffield/Routledge Japanese Studies Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Purnendra Jain

Table of Contents

Preface  Introduction  1. Contexts: Conceptual, Comparative and Japanese  2. Japanese SNGs as International Actors: Domestic Dimensions  3. International Exchanges: SNGs Lead With A Soft Approach  4. International Cooperation: A Strategic Edge  5. Economic Diplomacy  6. Hard Diplomacy: SNGs and National Security  Conclusion

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

'A fascinating feature of Japanese politics at the local level is the energetic activity of many local authorities in developing relations with cities and regions in neighbouring countries. This has important implications for the future of Japanese foreign policy. Professor Jain is an excellent guide to these issues.' - Arthur Stockwin, Scholar

Editorial Reviews

'A fascinating feature of Japanese politics at the local level is the energetic activity of many local authorities in developing relations with cities and regions in neighbouring countries. This has important implications for the future of Japanese foreign policy. Professor Jain is an excellent guide to these issues.' - Arthur Stockwin, Scholar

"Jain's findings in regard to how SNGs in Japan have shown a surprising degree of independence from central government on sensitive issues such as national security are extremely important and informative."—Pacific Affairs, Vol 79 No 1, Spring 2006

'A fascinating feature of Japanese politics at the local level is the energetic activity of many local authorities in developing relations with cities and regions in neighbouring countries. This has important implications for the future of Japanese foreign policy. Professor Jain is an excellent guide to these issues.' - Arthur Stockwin, Scholar

From the Publisher