The politics of foreign policy: An examination of Tokyo and Washington

While foreign policy isnt the main factor for most voters in elections, trends and patterns in domestic public opinion help shape leaders approach to conducting relations abroad. President Trumps 2016 election, rooted in his America First model, reflected a growing distrust towards previously resolute U. S. foreign policy ideas, such as Americas role in the world and international trade. Over the last year, however, forces inside and outside the administration have pushed back on some parts of Trumps agenda. In Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved the House of Representatives in September 2017, which initiated snap elections on October 22. This political maneuver was risky, but ultimately paid off as Abes Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Komeito, won over twothirds of the seats. This may well reflect approval of Abes efforts for a revised TransPacific Partnership, without the United States, as well as his stance towards North Korea. Still uncertain is whether Abe has t