Series Reclaim your prosperous life! Before the crisis hits Part Ⅱ: Summary

 

In Part I, we saw that the Trump administration's rise stemmed from populism surging within an exhausted society. However, this is likely merely the prologue to a tragedy. It signifies the birth of a dictator who now controls the world's largest military power and poses a growing threat of plunging the world into war. Trump's words and actions in the White House demonstrate authoritarianism and self-serving behavior, clearly revealing his dictatorial tendencies and steadily advancing his dictatorship. What makes this even more frightening is that this is precisely the direction the Republican Party and his supporters desire. His business history, too, offers little to be proud of. It shows no concern for the vulnerable, instead highlighting the self-centeredness typical of dictators.

In chaotic societies, people often seek out dictators. Yet, strangely, they place complete trust in these dictators, only to be betrayed time and again. A clear example is the comparison between Hitler and Trump, revealing how strikingly similar they are. Many dictators and their societies share common traits. Conversely, even if Trump were to disappear, if the social conditions remain the same, another figure would simply rise to take his place.

　Over the past fifteen years or so, right-wing populism has swept the world, and the number of countries becoming dictatorships has increased. For Japanese people today, it may be difficult to feel close to a dictatorship, but countries with parliamentary systems where changing governments is difficult, such as Turkey, Hungary, and Japan, can also be considered semi-dictatorships to varying degrees. Looking at the world, countries where society is corrupt and information is easily concealed tend to slide into dictatorship easily. Conversely, transitioning from a dictatorship to a democracy is not impossible, but it is extremely difficult.

Tracking Hitler's career reveals the connection between a society's exhaustion and the birth of a dictator. Those aiming for dictatorship tell tall tales promising instant resolution of grievances, exaggerating them as much as possible to capture the public's heart. Subsequently, dictators will commit any atrocity to seize power. Yet, the populace and domestic/foreign politicians, trapped in wishful thinking, overlook these atrocities, allowing the dictatorship to solidify. Dictators possess the requisite mindset (such as personality disorders), leading them down a path of self-destruction that drags the nation down with them. Comparing Hitler and Trump reveals startling similarities.

　Putin holds the key to a world war. What makes him formidable is that he seized control of Russia in just over a decade—faster than Hitler. This was possible precisely because Russian society was in complete collapse, rife with corruption. What makes him even more terrifying is that he invaded, conquered, and subjugated neighboring countries. This restored and further boosted his popularity. It was precisely the same tactic Hitler used to advance from territorial recovery to expansion, gaining immense popularity. Viewed this way, the future trajectory of the current Ukraine war should become clearer.

However, Putin isn't the only frightening one. If Trump and Putin are connected, the crisis escalates further. Observing their covert dealings over the past decade, Putin has at least repeatedly rescued Trump from crises and backed him in presidential elections. Even if Trump didn't explicitly request Putin's help in his presidential campaign, he has knowingly allowed Putin's intentions to run their course. Observing the current peace negotiations for the Ukraine war, one can find much to nod in agreement with. Regarding this war, Ukraine bears almost no fault; it is merely one of Putin's plans. In other words, overlooking the war and relying on Trump is dangerous.

　

Japan is in a disadvantageous position. It borders three dictatorships possessing nuclear weapons, while the United States lies across the sea. Should war break out, the Japanese archipelago would become the first battlefield. This is where Japan's diplomatic strategy is put to the test. The worst-case scenario is the three dictatorships colluding to initiate war. At the very least, a strategy to sow discord—ensuring China distances itself from North Korea and Russia—is crucial. Under current circumstances, comprehensive military support from the United States for Japan cannot be expected. Therefore, antagonizing China is not a wise course for Japan. While it is difficult to discern which of China or Russia might resort to reckless action, misjudging this could lead to catastrophe.

Japan's current state of narrow-mindedness is deeply concerning.

Finally, consider the Vietnam War, where the US intervened advocating the prevention of communist expansion only to suffer a crushing defeat, and Japan's war, where despite achieving the glorious Meiji Restoration, it plunged into military dictatorship and self-destruction. While their backgrounds differ, both are classic examples where the narrow-minded convictions of top leaders, coupled with the inherent nature of leaders and citizens to become trapped once deep in a situation, led to disastrous outcomes. Japan, in particular, saw the human and financial burdens of war gradually tighten the noose around its own neck.

In this Part II, we discussed the looming crisis of dictatorship and world war, and Japan's diplomatic strategy.