Local Politics and National Policy

The book explores the tensions between central and local governments in Japan, emphasizing how local politics have influenced national policy decisions. It highlights the decoupling of national and local party systems since the 1990s due to political, fiscal, and socio-economic shifts. By comparing Japan's situation with that of Germany, Canada, and the UK, the author investigates the roots of multi-level policy conflicts, providing insights into the dynamics of governance and the complexities of political integration across different levels.