Consolidation of Power: PM Shinzo Abe's Leadership

With public opinion divided, Japan's Diet enacted new national security legislation in September 2015. This enabled Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense, which past Cabinets have deemed unconstitutional. With overwhelming numbers in the Diet, Abe's administration is pushing its policy agenda. A divided and contentious opposition cannot act as an effective counterforce. This program closely analyzes the political battles and Abe's consolidation of power.