Perhaps an illuminating example is that of modern Japan at the creation in the last quarter of the 19th century. When the institutionalized feudal system of Japan was completely overthrown (a revolution led by daimyo, samurai and lesser retainers with one foot in each pond, if you will--feudal privilege, modern capitalist state), they also made sure to revive a near-dead monarchy to be at the top of the new system. A hereditary monarchy has less of an issue with succession, and its symbolic power confers legitimacy to the ruling elite. That Tom Cruise film, Last Samurai, seems to have confused people over the nature of the revolution (as well as on the issue of the extent and nature of outside imperialist interference). Nice New Zealand scenery though--like Lord of the Rings. I believe the 'constitutional' issues the ruling elite of Japan were trying to deal with was the status and power of shogun, daimyo, samurai and emperor (or possibly emperors). As for Japan's current emperorship, it's an 'ancient' institution that has been in place since the late 19th century, and was constitutionally revised by McArthur and and a team of lawyers during the Occupation.
CJ -- Japan Higher Education Outlook http://japanheo.blogspot.com/ ELT in Japan http://eltinjapan.blogspot.com/ We are Feral Cats http://wearechikineko.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ Marxism-Thaxis mailing list [email protected] To change your options or unsubscribe go to: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/marxism-thaxis
