Diversities of neoliberalism: Comparing US–Japan labor policymaking under Abe Shinzō and Donald Trump

Abstract

This article explores variations of neoliberal policymaking in the United States and Japan, utilizing a comparative examination of labor-related policymaking under the current Abe Shinzo and Donald Trump Administrations, and focusing on three policy areas: the nexus of wage setting and tax policy, work hours, and public employment. The institutional analysis emphasizes that both countries have histories of neoliberal practice, especially in favoring corporate interests and opposing unions, but are less influenced by neoliberal doctrine per se than other advanced economic democracies. Examination of the two Administrations’ policies reveals that they have continued the legacy of favoring major corporations, notably in slashing corporate taxes, and also sought, dubiously, to justify these as benefiting ordinary workers. However, the Abe Administration exhibits the legacy of technocratic policymaking closely influenced by national bureaucrats, while the Trump Administration manifests the populist anti-state anger of neoliberal and right-wing policymaking of recent years. As a result, Abe Administration policies are shown to feature greater balance than those of the Trump Administration, causing less damage to worker interests, and more often proffering at least modest degrees of improvement.