The Politics of Oligarchy

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The book explores the political evolution of Japan from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, focusing on the transition from oligarchic rule to military leadership. It investigates why the Meiji oligarchs failed to establish lasting institutions to maintain their power, employing a broader analytical framework applicable to oligarchies. The authors, J. Mark Ramseyer and Frances M. Rosenbluth, analyze the implications of these political choices on Japan's governance, economic growth, and international relations, contributing to a deeper understanding of regime change dynamics.