(iPoster) Political Motivations behind Public Opinions on International Trade in Japan

• In Event: Poster Sessions: Frontiers in International Political Economy & Advanced Industrial Societies
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Frontiers in International Political Economy

Abstract

Does nationalistic information from political elites influence individual trade opinions, independent of economic factors? Previous studies have found that strong patriotism in the United States is associated with greater support for trade agreements, raising a contrasting question for countries such as Japan, where levels of patriotism are relatively lower. This research examines whether similar patterns can be observed in Japan and explores how nationalistic information shapes Japanese public opinion on trade agreements. In other words, it investigates the political motivations underlying individual support for international trade agreements in Japan. While traditional trade models emphasize economic self-interest, growing evidence suggests that non-economic factors, particularly political influences, also play a significant role in shaping public attitudes toward trade. Despite Japan’s critical role in global trade, existing scholarship has largely overlooked the Japanese case, with most mainstream studies focused on Western countries. By combining theoretical and empirical analysis on these political motivations, this research aims to contribute the insights to the study of trade policy.

Author

• Ji Yeon Park, Hitotsubashi University