This course examines the Japanese model that was long admired for creating a growth “miracle” but has been challenged by over a decade of economic stagnation. What were the political and economic conditions that allowed Japan to emerge as the first non-Western state to industrialize and become a major economic power? How has Japan responded to the constraints and opportunities of the world economy? Why did the model fail in the nineties and will recent reforms succeed? The course investigates policy lessons from Japan’s experience. Focus will be on evaluating institutions that regulate government-society relations.