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Introduction to Special Issue: Japan's Crisis Management amid Growing Complexity: In Search of New Approaches

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2013

ALEXANDRA SAKAKI  and
KERSTIN LUKNER
ALEXANDRA SAKAKI
Affiliation:
German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, Berlin, [email protected]
KERSTIN LUKNER
Affiliation:
Institutes of East Asian Studies and Political Science, University of Duisburg-Essen, [email protected]
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Abstract

The 3/11 triple disaster, comprising the powerful earthquake, devastating tsunami, and nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear power complex, has drawn worldwide attention to Japan's crisis management capabilities. This article lays out key concepts used in analyzing crises and addresses major trends in contemporary crisis management endeavors. It then turns to the Japanese case, identifying six key themes in the debates about the country's crisis management capabilities. In tracing and exploring past reform efforts, the article assesses characteristics and highlights perceived deficiencies in Japan's approach. The final part provides a brief overview of the case studies presented in this special issue, pinpointing recurrent themes and enduring problems observed in recent crisis management efforts.

Type
Introduction
Information
Japanese Journal of Political Science , Volume 14 , Special Issue 2: Japan's Crisis Management amid Growing Complexity: In Search of New Approaches , June 2013 , pp. 155 - 176
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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