Publication

This paper discusses the progress of the reforms agenda which Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is applying to his country over the course of his tenure. The author argues that Abe’s strategy to call snap elections in December 2014 and take advantage of an incredibly weak political opposition paid off and that he now needs to decide whether he will focus on economic reforms or attempt to boost the country’s defense profile by getting rid of Japan’s constitutionally prescribed pacifism.