What a better way to learn about Democracy in America then to reflect on how democracy has worked in another country, Japan.

Professor Steven Pfeffer will conduct a faculty lecture, “Democratization Japan,” on March 18. Pfeffer will introduce the subject of how Japan became a democracy, and how it functions as a democracy today. As far as America implementing its democracy abroad, Japan is very unique.

“Japan is our biggest success,” said Pfeffer.

Pfeffer explains that Japan has been chosen as an example for democracy because Japan is the second largest economy in the world (China is the third) and is America’s most reliable ally in Asia. He believes that all political and economical matters in Asia will involve Japan or revolve around the country in one way or another.

“Japan will be a big part of the next century, we cannot ignore Japan,” he said.

Pfeffer notes that while democracy has failed in countries in countries such as Cuba and China, this lecture hopes to share and spread the word of how democracy can succeed outside of America.

Political Science Professor Lee Ballestero, who is also involved with the Year of Democracy and the organization of speakers for the Faculty Lecture Series, thinks students have a lot to learn by attending this event.

“The benefit to students from attending the lecture series is to broaden their understanding of how democracy is implemented in other countries, and to allow them to compare alternative democratic structures to our own democratic structures,” Ballestero said.

What else does this offer to students? Pfeffer says that with information that will be given, he wants students to learn and understand what the advantages of democracy are and what it takes to obtain democracy.

“It’s not easy (to have democracy),” Pfeffer said.

Foreign Policy will also be discussed in the lecture as well. The Lecture will be held at 12 p.m. inside the TV Studio located in the Communications Building at MC.