Review by Choice Review
The case studies in chapter four elucidate the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the formulation and implementation of Japan's official development assistance (ODA) projects. The prior three chapters place the case studies in the context of changes in Japanese culture as a result of postmaterialism and globalization. Hirata (Univ. of California, Irvine) argues that these changes have produced conditions conducive to the formation and increased influence of NGO's interested in Japan's foreign policy. The final two chapters examine the growing collaboration of NGOs and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the overall role of NGOs in the development of a civil society. The discussion of NGO-MOFA relations focuses on the factors that bring the parties together to promote and carry out international soft aid projects. The strength of the work lies primarily in the case studies, the chapter on MOFA, and an appendix with an excellent overview of the evolution of Japanese ODA policy. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in Japan's international aid at the turn of the century. J. M. Peek Lyon College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
