Trevor Gilligan

CEO of JAPAN

Pols 315

Prof. Chadwick

3/2/06

Section A.

The reason that I chose this graph was that it shows Japan and its relationship to the key players of global power. It also accurately depicts the way Japan has settled into a comfortable role of superiority without becoming exhibiting overwhelming dominance. This could be a result of Japan reaching the top level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization. This was accomplished by first overcoming the needs of survival, security, community and status. They did this through appropriate and sound political, economic and social policies. As the CEO lead representative of Japan, we promote a high level of international trade and a peaceful, defensively based military.

This concept also fits right into the GDA model, where Japan would be at the actualization stage as well. Japan is not achieving any major goals on the global power scene, nor are they drifting away from anything that they have accomplished. Japan is currently the fourth highest power in the world behind China, India and the United States. Over the next twenty years, they are projected to remain fourth with China and India slightly growing and the U.S. gradually coming down. The self-actualization of this is that Japan has found a niche in the world of power among states and have currently settled right where they want to be. Thanks to the actualization of their role in the global power scene Japan has been able to focus its attentions on other aspects other that becoming a world power. This again is one of the reasons that Japan has been able to become one of the leaders of international trade and is currently the top nation in the world in globalization, as the next graph illustrates.

This graph also goes along with Japan’s isolationist nationalism. It is apparent in the graph because Japan does not gain or loose power over the next twenty years. They cover their domestic obligations before worrying about what other people in other countries are doing to each other. Japan feels that domestic concerns are more important than becoming the number one world power.

This graph was chosen because it shows Japan as the leader in Globalization and continuing to lead into the future. Economic globalization is one of Japan’s top priorities, thus it is a major goal in Japanese policy. Social globalization, on the other hand, is met with more of challenge and is not widely supported within the current policies. This graph is based with economic globalization in mind not social, therefore Japan is at the top for the duration of it. Easton’s model of decision making supports the way in which Japan has come to be in favor of economic globalization because the policy and political environment are responding to the country’s demand for world involvement and is support by international trade. The same would be said for social globalization except the demands for it are stifled by Japan’s nationalism.

Another way to look at this graph would be through Richardson’s reaction curve model. Every country on the graph is inevitably increasing in globalization and chasing after one another, with Japan leading the way. Within the next twenty years there is not one state over the top one percent of power that reaches a state of equilibrium, even as Japan climbs to the top of the graph. This is not necessarily a good thing for the world. The reason for this is because globalization is dichotomous; it dilutes cultures and exacerbates corporate monopolies.

Section B.

Japan is a key player in the world today; they are fourth in global power and the world leader in globalization. Most countries around the world look up to Japan because of their success with international trade and for developing a sound economy. Other countries such as the United States need Japan to keep up in setting a fast paced global economy. International relations, on the other hand, could use a little work because there is still bitterness between Japan and the countries that it occupied prior to World War II, not to mention the Chinese. The security as well is an envy of many countries around the world, though it does not have nuclear capabilities and is heavily defense orientated it does have the protection of the United States, which is by far the greatest military force in the world.

In the future Japan will be trying to strengthen international relations, especially with other Asian countries. It will continue to be a leader in international trade and globalization due to its current position in the global economy. Japan is lucky because it can focus more money and effort on trying to better their economy and trade due the security that the United States provides. Other countries do not have this luxury and must worry about defense, usually as a number one priority.

Section C

Japanese policy is a complex system based around three issues, international relations, foreign trade and defense. In this simulation I expect Japan to be challenged in all three areas. As the CEO I will be coordinating and motivating the rest of the group to improve upon these three issues.

With international relations Japan needs to improve on its relations with the Asian countries. Prior to World War II Japan occupied Taiwan, Korea, and the Kuril islands which is now apart of Russia. They also invaded China during World War II and used rather unethical means of war. Due to all of this many East Asia countries still have bitterness towards Japan. During the simulation I would like to set up an Asian Union very similar to the European Union. This would not only help strengthen the relationships with neighboring countries around Asia but it would also help out the countries that are in need of assistance, such as Russia’s economy, or Indonesia’s foreign trade. Uniting the Asian countries would boost Japan in almost every facet of the issues prior discussed. The support that this idea would have to have would be the support of the key players in East Asia. China and Russia mostly, but South Korea and Taiwan could be deciding factors in the Asian Union becoming a reality. Outside countries like the United States and Germany would probably be the only opposition because there would be a potential power shift on the international stage.

Focusing on international trade as the main concern of the Asian Union, Asia as a whole will receive an economic lift. Since Japan in one of the leaders in international trade currently, they should be able to increase their status as an important contributor to the global economy. Also due to Japan’s multitude of trading partners less developed countries would be greatly aided by the formation of an Asian Union. This would bring the support of Indonesia and Taiwan who are both looking to improve their international trade but do not have as much to offer the global market as more developed countries that have been working on this issue for years.

A defense committee would be created to provide security for all of the countries that are in the Asian Union. This would be greatly enhanced by the United States because of their military backing of Japan. This would only occur if the United States were in favor of the union in the first place. If not the combined military forces and technologies of Russia, Korea, China and Japan would allow the union to compete with anyone in the world, with the exception to the United States. The defense commission would be able to hinder the operations of Asian based terrorist, such as Al Queda in Indonesia. It also would be a deterrent for any outside country that has reason to attack anyone country with in the union.

One may say that there is already an organization like this set up in Asia that is true, but not entirely. There is the ASEAN, Association of Southeastern Asian Nations, but that only includes ten countries from Southeast Asia; Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. ( Japan has no role in the ASEAN and this is precisely why a new union must be created to bring all of the Asian countries together or at least all of the Eastern Asian countries together. The ASEAN posses another problem to the idea of having an Asian Union, because all of these countries are going to be hesitant to just give up what they have worked for and start something new because Japan wants in on it.

The formation of an Asian Union would not only allow Japan to improve in their three main areas of interest, but it would also help other Asian countries in those same areas. The main issue that will arise will be the division of power within the union. This, however, is impossible to predict what will occur because I do not know of the intentions nor the character of the other countries in this simulation.

Bibliography

ASEAN Secretariat, The. Jakarta, Indonesia: 2003,

Ashley Kaono

CFO of JAPAN

03/01/06

Prof. Chadwick -POLS 315

Source: (

Sestion A.

Since Japan’s economy is one of the largest in the world, perhaps it is important to pay close attention to its place in the global market. “Globalization refers to the worldwide phenomenon of technological, economic, and cultural change, as brought about by expanding facilities for intercommunication and interdependency between traditionally isolate cultures”.

( The first graph above projects Japan’s trends concerning globalization. And the second presents Japan’s national deficit. In all areas presented, there seems to be a general increase, especially in the area of policy and sustainability. With regard to the Japan’s foreign policy, it is important to have a good understanding of all economic affairs, in connection with globalization and with relation to its nation deficit/government spending. It is projected in the graph above, that Japan will be rid of its deficit by the year 2010.

With a strong yet stable economy, Japan has more possibilities in all areas, especially in its ability to change current foreign policies if necessary. Moreover, the relatively new phenomenon, globalization, is one led by new technology and economic power; Japan is well recognized in both of these areas. According to the most recent economic report released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, “corporate profits are improving and business investment is increasing.”( Increases in profit and investment are indicative of a strong economy and fiscal position. To begin, Japan’s strong economy and relative lead in the global market puts it in a very good position to change its current foreign policy, perhaps become more independent or assertive in its foreign policies. In the early 1980’s,“Japan became the world's largest creditor, an increasingly active investor in the United States, and a major contributor to international debt relief, financial institutions, and other assistance efforts.” ( However, a move to become independent, especially of the United States and other western powers will place Japan in poor favor with these countries. I expect that its foreign policy will adjust to better reflect its strong economy and the favorable position it holds as the world’s largest creditor.

Source: (

The third graph that is shown above forecasts Japan’s power index in the coming years. There seems to be a considerable decrease in the coming years and this poses, perhaps not an immediate threat but definitely one to beware of. Although it is important for other countries to pay attention to Japan’s growing economic power, it is also important for Japan to develop and/or maintain strong foreign relations. “During the 1950s and 1960s, foreign policy actions were guided by three basic principles: close cooperation with the United States for both security and economic reasons; promotion of a free-trade system congenial to Japan's own economic needs; and international cooperation through the United Nations (UN)--to which it was admitted in 1956… In the 1970’s there was growing domestic pressure on the government to exercise more foreign policy initiatives independent of the United States, without, however, compromising vital security and economic ties.” ( Much of Japan’s economic success could probably be partially attributed to the United States, however with the changes in the 1970’s and Japan becoming less reliant on Western powers for resources, such as oil, the current relationship and policy with the United States is what most prominently stands as an issue to be addressed and perhaps adjusted to secure Japan’s status abroad. I think that there will be a move toward not only a greater economic independence but also more emphasis placed on the “financial and development needs of other countries, especially those that provide Japan with vital energy and raw material supplies.” ( To help deter or moderate the loss of power, as suggested above, Japan must develop and maintain a more assertive and independent foreign policy with those countries that supply Japan, and/or perhaps with allies of the United States.

Section B.

To begin, the first graph presented on Globalization, was perhaps not the most important of the graphs chosen but indeed one that must be well-explained. It is important to distinguish Globalization and Globalism, which is “a market based ideology endowing globalization with neoliberal ideas, values and meanings.”(Steger) While the first graph presents the future globalization level index in Japan, it’s important to not only mention that this level is rising but also to suggest that there is a change or transition in how the people of Japan are thinking and acting as producers and consumers in a global market. What they may be expecting of their government and what their government may or may not be doing to meet the demands of this transition begins, I think, with their foreign policy/relations.

The Five Claims of Globalism, according to Steger are as follows:

Globalization is about the liberalization and global integration of markets.
Globalization is inevitable and irreversible.
Nobody is in charge of globalization.
Globalization benefits everyone (in the long run…)
Globalization furthers the spread of democracy in the world.

For Japan to truly succeed and maintain their place among the global economy in this period of globalization, strong foreign relationships and policies are more than imperative and must be a top concern. With regard to Steger’s claims, “nobody is in charge of globalization,” and the “global integration markets,” I feel that our relationships domestic and aboard are going to be our greatest concern.

Abraham Maslow’s “basic needs” theory is about relationships and positions. Japan’s post- war development, regaining its sovereignty in 1952 and reentering the international community as an independent nation placed them in a difficult position between the East and the West. Although Japan was independent at this time, it became an ally to the U.S. which essentially made them a dependent on United States. “Japan’s foreign policy goals during most of the early postwar period were essentially to regain economic viability and establish its credibility as a peaceful member of the world community. With respect to the world at large, the nation avoided political issues and concentrated on economic goals. Under its omni directional diplomacy, it sought to cultivate friendly ties with all nations, proclaimed a policy of “separation of politics and economics” and adhered to a neutral position on some East-West issues.”( Abraham Maslow’s “basic needs” theory begins more or less with survival, “satisfaction of immediate physiological needs to maintain life being met.”(Maslow) After World War II, it was then necessary for Japan to reconcile, regain, or even create their relationships with other countries and prove that it could be a “peaceful member of the world.” In order to continue, grow, and prosper as a country, they had to remain a dependent ally of the U.S. and maintain a neutral position in terms of global politics. Once having at least developed and maintained their position among other nations and continuing to meet the “basic needs’ of security, community and responsibility, I believe that it is perhaps time for Japan to begin working on their own fulfillment or self-actualization which is characterized by their status, their anticipated roles and an all-around ideal position that it hopes to achieve, present-day.

I think it is important to have our present position and ideal position in mind at all times, whatever it may be. Positions are based on interests, real or perceived and in order to self-actualize and achieve a favorable position or a particular goal, we must always know what we have, need, desire and what it is we value. The Power Index graph given above is important to keep in mind because it doesn’t provide a particularly promising out-look. According to this particular graph, our power index level drops significantly in the coming years. Our position presently is to develop policy and relationships abroad to avoid this severe decrease. Moreover, according to the GDA model, “Power is the ability to attain goals against resistance.” (Chadwick) And, currently, our actual position is that we are a dependent ally to the United States, we have the second largest economy in the world and that we remain relatively neutral in our position/relationships among the other nations. I think that this, in fact, does or will create an aggravation of sorts because I believe our most fundamental goals at this point are to maintain and grow with our strong economy, become less dependent on the United States and develop stronger, more profound relationships abroad and perhaps even change our disposition among our present allies and counterparts.