The Japanese public, having reached frustration with the Liberal Democratic Party’s response to the ongoing global economic crisis, delivered during the August 30, 2009 elections the Democratic Party of Japan into power. The DPJ’s ambitious agenda is to reform Japan’s entire system of government, but in order to be able to work towards this overarching strategic goal, the DPJ needs tactical victories to maintain its popularity with the electorate. The climate negotiations’ high profile makes domestic climate policy a natural such area for the DPJ to differentiate its political brand from that of the LDP.
Since its inauguration the new Cabinet has been implementing governance reforms that would strengthen its position in domestic policy negotiations relative to uncooperative actors as a part of its overall agenda. It has also undertaken actions underscoring its dedication to pursue its goals in the area of climate change. These developments all suggest that the party remains resolute in pursuing this particular tactical objective further. Nevertheless, a number of cautionary qualifications still need to be made when discussing its ability to steamroll climate policy past other stakeholders.
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