Taro Katsura and the Taisho Political Crisis
In 1912-1913, Taro Katsura returned for a third and final term as prime minister, but rather than cool the embers of the Taisho Political Crisis, he unexpectedly pours fuel on the fire.
Redefining the Global Majority as “Anti-Semitic”
The US House of Representatives passed a resolution last week which redefined the term anti-Semitism in such a manner to brand billions of people—probably the global majority—as being “anti-Semites.”
America Alone in Supporting Gaza Slaughter
The US government stands alone among the world’s major nations in supporting the continuing massacre of the civilian population of Gaza.
Kinmochi Saionji and the Imperial Army Confrontation
From 1911-1912, aristocrat Saionji Kinmochi returned as prime minister of Japan. Although his government had strong public support, it soon found itself in a budget confrontation with the Imperial Army. Neither side was prepared to back down.
Abe Era Corruption Haunts Kishida Administration
The ghost of Shinzo Abe’s political and financial corruption has again risen up to haunt his successors, staggering the already weak administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Taro Katsura and the Annexation of Korea
From 1908-1911, Taro Katsura led a second relatively long and stable administration of Japan. The most consequential event was his government’s decision to fully annex the Korean Peninsula, wiping out that neighboring nation’s independent legal existence.
Kishida Double-Talk on Coal Phaseout
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived at the COP28 World Leaders’ Summit in Dubai without a concrete plan, making headlines with his commitment to phasing out certain coal-fired power plants. However, the absence of a specific deadline for achieving this goal has left the promise largely devoid of substance.
“Moral Clarity” and Nikki Haley’s Neoconservative Militarism
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has adopted “moral clarity” as one of her leading slogans in her quest to gain the Republican nomination for president. This is a key intellectual concept behind the neoconservative movement which reached a peak under the presidency of George W. Bush; it is effectively a coded call to embrace a forever war in pursuit of US global primacy.
UAW Backs Permanent Gaza Ceasefire
Fresh from successful contract negotiations with major US automakers, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has taken a stand by officially endorsing a permanent ceasefire as Israel resumes its attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Osprey Crash Demonstrates Japan Remains US Client State
The recent crash of a US Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft off the southern coast has once again highlighted Japan’s enduring lack of control over its own territories, even 78 years after the Pacific War.