HKUST-Led International Research Team Publishes in Nature Human Behaviour An international research team led by Dr. Fangxin Yi from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has published a significant study in Nature Human Behavior, examining the political and psychological effects of participatory approaches in centralized regimes. The three-year project focused on a large-scale intervention in Chengdu, China, involving nearly 8,000 participants. Using a randomized controlled field experiment, the study assessed the impact of participatory budgeting on civic attitudes and political behaviors. Participants in the treatment group, who deliberated on local budget allocations, showed significantly higher civic engagement and satisfaction with the central government compared to the control group. This research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into civic attitudes amid restrictions and uncertainty. Remarkably, the study found that participatory mechanisms did not lead to political cynicism or dissatisfaction. Instead, the intervention enhanced perceptions of government responsiveness, civic pride, and regime legitimacy. These findings challenge the notion that democratic innovations are incompatible with centralized governance and suggest that structured participatory approaches can positively influence citizen attitudes. The authors recommend that centralized regimes institutionalize participatory methods to improve governance responsiveness and strengthen citizen-state relations. By embedding these mechanisms within existing political structures, governments can foster civic empowerment, enhance public trust, and improve the legitimacy of their governance frameworks. Ballots, Backlash, and Budget Woes — Prof. Masaru Yarime’s view on Japan’s Political Gridlock After Upper House Elections Professor Masaru Yarime from the Division of Public Policy at HKUST provides critical insight into Japan’s deepening political uncertainty following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s election setback. In the wake of the ruling coalition’s failure to secure a majority in the upper house, Yarime highlights how public dissatisfaction—especially with economic management—is reshaping Japan’s political dynamics. He notes that the government’s current policies, particularly regarding inflation and fiscal responsibility, have alienated many voters, including younger generations. According to Professor Masaru Yarime, the election results reflect not only policy discontent but also a loss of faith in the administration’s ability to navigate complex domestic and international pressures, such as tariff negotiations with the United States and debates over the sales tax rate. Professor Masaru Yarime warns that the fragmented parliamentary landscape will make it increasingly difficult for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito to push forward any coherent agenda. The lack of majority in both chambers, he argues, heightens the risk of policy paralysis just as Japan faces mounting socioeconomic challenges. Professor Yarime’s analysis suggests that without a strategic policy reset and genuine public engagement—especially on economic reform and intergenerational equity—Japan’s leadership could struggle to regain stability or deliver effective governance. 47 News and Upcoming Events
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk5Njg=