Topic: 2025 – Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Homayon Khalili
Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL)
Authoritarianism and Democracy
Japan
Homayon Khalili
Authoritarianism has dominated worldwide politics and administration since the dawn of governance. Authoritarianism is defined as: the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. Approximately 39% percent of the population, or 3.2 billion people, live under authoritarian governments. Organizations such as Protect Democracy, Freedom House, and the Center for American Progress have sought to end, or at least mitigate, the spread of authoritarianism. Authoritarian regimes affect every country and are likely among the most threatening aspects of governance. Japan cares deeply about authoritarianism, especially as seen in its history, as it became a victim of such during WWII.
Japan has fought authoritarianism extensively, following its spurt in the 1930s-80s. Currently, Freedom House has a democracy score of 96/100; the EIU Democracy Index is 8.48, ranking Japan 16th as “full democracy,” and many other rankings place Japan among the highest in democratic values. Japan can help any country in need of support if it is threatened by authoritarianism.
Japan combats global authoritarianism by upholding the international order through strategic partnerships and advocates for a free Indo-Pacific region. Japan supports democracy abroad through foreign aid and by strengthening its own democratic institutions. One area of improvement is increased voter registration and participation among democratic nations. Japan has a strong, steadfast commitment to democracy worldwide and will do anything to support it.
