Comparative theories relevant to Tunisia, Egypt, & beyond

EgyptJan. 25

TunisiaJan. 12

Japan’s Development in Comparative Perspective Japan was “relatively

backward” in 19th C Tokugawa Period

(1600s – mid-1800s) Parallels to 15th C

England Agricultural economy Hereditary ruling class Emperor

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Japan Faces Threat from West

Threat from West during Tokugawa US—Commodore Perry’s “black ships” (1853) Results in limitations on Japan’s sovereignty

unequal treaties, “extra-territoriality,” limits on tariff authority

Japan Faces Threat from West

U.S. Commodore Perry: 2 perspectives

Japan’s Development in Comparative Perspective Japan succeeds in

“catching up” Defeats China in Sino-Japanese War (1894-5)

Colonizes Taiwan (1895-1945)

Japan’s Development in Comparative Perspective Japan succeeds in

“catching up” Defeats Russia in Russo-

Japanese War (1904-5) Defeats European power

Russo-Japanese War, 1904-5

Japan’s Development in Comparative Perspective Japan succeeds in

“catching up” Colonizes Korea (1910-

1945)

Launches expansion throughout Asia

Japanese colonial building in Korea

Japanese invasion of Hong Kong

Japan’s Development in Comparative Perspective How did Japan “catch up”?

What factors would Gerschenkron consider? What would Gerschenkron predict?

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Economic Development in Japan, pre-WW II “Meiji Restoration,”

1868 Group of reformers

overthrew Tokugawa regime

Acted in name of emperor

Hence “restoration”

Economic Development in Japan, pre-WWII Meiji Restoration

Central role for state in economy, initially (1870s)

Which sectors?

Economic Development in Japan, pre-WWII Meiji Restoration

Central role for state in economy, initially (1870s)

Which sectors? Military related

Weapons Shipbuilding

Economic Development in Japan, pre-WWII Meiji Restoration

Central role for state in economy, initially (1870s)

Which sectors? Military related

Weapons Shipbuilding

Even textiles

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Economic Development in Japan, pre-WW II Meiji Restoration

Video: http://www.pacificcentury.org/meiji6.html Relate to Gerschenkron

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Economic Development in Japan, pre-WW II “Meiji Restoration”

Video Relate to Gerschenkron

Global technological frontier Role for state Speed

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Economic Development in Japan, pre-WW II Meiji Restoration

State struggles to develop through state ownership

State ownership private ownership State assets sold to private firms on favorable terms

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Economic Development in Japan, pre-WW II Meiji Restoration

Zaibatsu (late 19th C – early 20th C)

Under state guidance Large family-controlled

firms Combined banking &

industry Examples

Mitsubishi Mitsui Sumitomo Yasuda

Mitsubishi

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Economic development in Japan pre-World War II

Government bureaucrats “guided” zaibatsuUsed government policy tools

Subsidies Low interest-rate loans Tax breaks Tariff protection

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Economic development in Japan pre-World War II

Government bureaucrats “guided” zaibatsu Used government policy tools

Subsidies Low interest-rate loans Tax breaks Tariff protection

Targeted specific industries Textiles (silk) Steel manufacturing Chemical production Ship-building

Mitsubishi shipyard in Nagasaki, 1885

Spinning factory in Osaka

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Economic development in Japan pre-World War II

Rapid economic development in JapanDepends on extensive foreign trade Seeks raw materials, markets, outlets for

investment

Japan moves into “core” Could dependency theory explain Japan’s

move into the core?

Japan moves into “core” Japan as a member of the core

Colonizes Taiwan (1895), Korea (1910)Attempts domination of Asia (1930s)

Seeks raw materials, markets, outlets for investment

Taiwan Rice, sugar

Korea Iron ore

Japan as a member of the core Japan as a member of the core

“Greater East Asia ‘Co-Prosperity’ Sphere” Japan’s approach to colonial rule

Japanese colonial administration coercive Staffed by Japanese Penetrated beyond “transnational kernel” to hinterland

Benefited zaibatsu Mitsubishi, Mitsui Tripled their assets 1930-40

Nature of Japanese System, Post-WW II: Johnson reading

What are the elements of the capitalist developmental state model, according to Johnson?