A highly acclaimed book by Eri Hotta, “Japan 1941: Countdown to Infamy,” (Vintage, 2013) describes the complex nature of Japan's decision making immediately before World War II. Their politicians and military leaders knew little of the outside world and had no coherent political strategy. They thought in terms of personal advantage rather than the nation’s prosperity.
They had no clear idea of how to win their disastrous war against China and feared ending it lest they lose face and power. Politicians postured without any strategic sense, propelled by self-delusion and ignorance. Knowledge and courage were missing, and the tragic consequences of bureaucratic dysfunction followed.
They had no clear idea of how to win their disastrous war against China and feared ending it lest they lose face and power. Politicians postured without any strategic sense, propelled by self-delusion and ignorance. Knowledge and courage were missing, and the tragic consequences of bureaucratic dysfunction followed.