We’re Turning Japanese, Not Greek
The Greeks have got a lot to answer for. As well as roiling the markets and torpedoing the euro, they have inflicted serious damage on the debate about the global crisis and its remedies.
A Hedge Fund Manager Hits Back
John Veals is the villainous hedge fund manager in Sebastian Faulks’ best-selling credit-crunch novel “A Day In December.” He is a man with no friends, no culture, no interest in anything other than making money. His nefarious machinations lead to the failure of a major British bank, enabling him to make huge profits from his short positions. Other characters in the novel include Gabriel Northwood, a virtuous lawyer, and Roger Malpasse, a retired banker of the old school.
The Perils of “Kansianism”
A leadership change in Japan passes almost unnoticed these days, but the ascension of Naoto Kan to the role of prime minister could have a long-lasting impact on the strategic landscape.
How Japan Can Get Its Mojo Back
You are a little-known politician who has enthused the public with promises of change. You win a thumping electoral victory. You succeed a tired and discredited administration whose policies helped create the worst economic crisis in decades. And then your problems start.
Hatoyama’s To-Do List
You are a little-known politician who has stirred the public with promises of change. You win a thumping elec-toral victory. You succeed a tired and discredited administration whose policies helped create the worst economic crisis in decades. And then your problems start: The vested interests won’t give an inch. People seem unsure of what kind of change they want, or if they want any at all. The economy is still in bad shape, and now you are getting the blame.
Thank You, Mr. Abe
The Abe Administration’s key achievement was to show that Japan hasn’t changed, and neither have its problems.