The Iconoclast

Shinzo Abe and the New Japan

De: Tobias Harris

Narrado por: Ward Sexton

Shinzo Abe entered politics burdened by high expectations: that he would change Japan. In 2007, seemingly overwhelmed, he resigned after only a year as prime minister. Yet, following five years of reinvention, he masterfully regained the premiership in 2012, and now dominates Japanese democracy as no leader has done before.

Abe has inspired fierce loyalty among his followers, cowing Japan's left with his ambitious economic program and support for the security and armed forces. He has staked a leadership role for Japan in a region being rapidly transformed by the rise of China, and India, while carefully preserving an ironclad relationship with Trump's America.

The Iconoclast tells the story of Abe's meteoric rise and stunning fall, his remarkable comeback, and his unlikely emergence as a global statesman laying the groundwork for Japan's survival in a turbulent century.

©2020 Tobias S. Harris (P)2022 Tantor

Great intro to Japanese politics

Great intro to Japanese politics. Recommend it to people who are interested in this. Good read. Very good listen. Word word word word

Great narrative and historical coverage

This book has a fantastic narrative and blends a deep dive into Abe’s past and career seamlessly with a broad overview of Japanese political history. Great for Asian politics beginners and experts alike.

Best in class

Obviously, this is the best biography of Abe available in English. Beyond that, though, it is one of the best books on any Japanese political figure that exists in English. This belongs in your library alongside the classics by Curtis, et al. Not to be missed if you have any interest in Japan or in how powerful people work.