Challenges Before Noda Yoshihiko

Noda’s long list of challenges includes rebuilding Japan after the devastating tsunami, the nuclear crisis triggered by it and reining in the huge public debt. But the biggest risk is that he could also end up as a short-termer like his two predecessors. The ruling DPJ has a regular leadership election set for September 2012. Noda has called for a grand coalition with the main opposition parties in order to break the parliamentary deadlock. However, such a coalition is not really necessary and all that Noda needs to do is develop a relationship with the opposition that is marked by trust. On the foreign policy front, Noda will have to ensure that Japan’s relations with the United States, China, Australia and India remain on an even keel. At this critical time, Noda needs the support of his party and countrymen. If he falters, Japan’s importance in the global community would be considerably diminished and it will be left with the role of a marginal power.

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