In Japan, an upcoming snap election could bolster the position of new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, helping him implement pledges to strengthen the country's military and promote more equitable urban development. But the election also risks giving rise to an opposition-controlled government that would seek to reduce military spending, increase social spending and improve ties with China. Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba won the election to become the president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Sept. 27, beating out conservative nationalist candidate Sanae Takaichi and former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who came in second and third place, respectively. The Japanese Diet will hold an extraordinary session on Oct. 1 to nominate the next prime minister, and the LDP's longstanding coalition with the minor party Komeito makes Ishiba's nomination all but certain. After that, Emperor Naruhito will officially appoint Ishiba as prime minister. On Sept. 30, Ishiba announced...
