| Summary/Abstract |
Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), one of the country’s most important foreign policy instruments, was until recently regarded as a prime example of a bureaucratic-led and fragmented decision-making system. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Abe Shinzō has held great control over ODA, using it for his political goals. This paper focuses on Abe’s efficient employment of ODA analysing the ODA-related administrative reforms he implemented. The analysis also looks at the ODA’s history to include reforms since the time of Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro in order to unravel the roots of Abe’s influence. Yet, the analysis concludes that the prime minister’s increased authority is not followed by a static and predictable ODA strategy.
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