The Intelligence from The Economist After Abe: Japan’s new prime minister
Sep 15, 2020
Noah Snyder, Japan correspondent and former member of Abe Shinzo’s team, discusses the challenges facing new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, including revitalizing Japan's sluggish economy. Natasha Loda, Health Policy Editor, dives into the implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO during the pandemic, questioning global health cooperation. The conversation also touches on the WHO's pandemic response and cultural tensions surrounding dog ownership in Islam, painting a vivid picture of current global dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Suga's Economic Plans
- Suga aims to manage COVID-19 fallout and continue Abenomics, maintaining loose monetary and fiscal policies.
- He's suggested digitizing government services and acknowledged the need for a consumption tax hike.
Suga's Diplomatic Tightrope
- Suga faces the challenge of maintaining good relations with both the US and China.
- He has yet to prove himself on the world stage, unlike his predecessor.
Suga's Political Prospects
- Suga's long-term success depends on navigating global affairs and internal party dynamics.
- Securing support within the Liberal Democratic Party hinges on stability and continuity.