In East Asian countries, the challenges of aging populations and decreasing birthrates present significant political and social issues. These countries are exploring various policy adjustments to rejuvenate their workforces and ensure social sustainability. This involves (1) transitioning government resources from predominantly aiding senior citizens to supporting younger, child-rearing families, (2) enhancing the social status of women, and (3) improving the administrative efficiency of local governments and collaboration among various actors. Such changes exert considerable pressure on political systems that traditionally depend on the elderly for electoral support, uphold male-dominated norms for social stability, and maintain hierarchical inter-governmental structures and policy processes.
The success of these policy shifts may hinge on the flexibility and adaptability of these nations, traits that have historically enabled them to successfully navigate major post-World War II social transformations. Conversely, the entrenched conservative elements within their political systems, which emphasize consensus building and uphold traditional norms, may impede these reforms. This panel aims to analyze how political systems in East Asian countries are adapting to these demographic and social shifts by recalibrating political representation, governmental structures, and public policy processes.
In our panel, we are scheduled to have four paper presentations. (1) Ms. Naoko Taniguchi will present a paper, "The Trilemma of Democracy, Welfare and Finance: The Problem of Welfare Policy in the Election Manifestos of Japanese Political Parties," in which she will discuss difficulties balancing social policy and fiscal integrity. (2) "The Politics of Transformative Science, Technology and Innovation Policies in the Time of Aging and Decreasing Population in Japan" by Mr. Hideaki Shiroyama will explore innovative public-policy approaches to solve the problems of depopulation and labor shortage in rural communities. (3) Ms. Jin Bei will present a paper, "Accommodating the Aging Population in China: Challenges and Opportunities," and discuss how China approaches the emerging problem of aging society under the socialist system. (4) In his paper, "Tackling Population Decline through Local Government Collaboration in Japan," Mr. Masatsugu Ito will analyze how local governments coordinate their public policies to solve the shared problem of depopulation. Ms. Gabriele Vogt will discuss the four papers from a comparative perspective.