Maintaining Social Cohesion through Democratic Liberalism

By Yoichi Funabashi, Shunta Takino, Lauren Altria, and Andrea Fischetti

Abstract

This policy brief outlines and suggests solutions to deal with the dangers of political disillusionment, populism and ill-managed migration policies and uphold social cohesion across the G20. The emphasis is placed largely on Japan, and a cross-cutting theme throughout the brief is the importance of an inclusive and diverse policymaking process that includes not only the government, but also think tanks, academics and civil society. The brief also makes suggestions on how to navigate tensions that can arise between a foreign policy agenda of liberal internationalism and public sentiment that tends to be less liberal and open to populist mobilization.