Comparing the Reconstruction of State Images of Germany and Japan in the Post-World War II Era in the Perspective of Political Symbolism Theory

Research Article
Open access

Comparing the Reconstruction of State Images of Germany and Japan in the Post-World War II Era in the Perspective of Political Symbolism Theory

Yinuo Wang 1*
  • 1 Renmin University of China    
  • *corresponding author 2020202145@ruc.edu.cn
Published on 20 November 2023 | https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/21/20230192
LNEP Vol.21
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-83558-121-6
ISBN (Online): 978-1-83558-122-3

Abstract

National image has become an important factor in the competition for soft power among countries. Germany and Japan, as defeated countries in World War II, have both formulated a series of strategies and carried out actions on image reconstruction. This paper adopts the method of documentary analysis to disaggregate the strategic deployment and practices of image building in the two countries into different dimensions and place them under the theoretical framework of political symbols for systematic analyses. From this, it is concluded that there are significant differences between the two countries in terms of their strategic priorities, with Germany focuses methodologically on the cultural diplomacy and geographically on the Europe; and Japan prioritizes economic initiatives and the western community. This prioritization can be a reflection of the underlying attitude divergence between the two nations. In this way, the policies of the two countries in the field of foreign relations can be examined in an ontological and globalized perspective.

Keywords:

political symbolism, systematic analysis, state image

Wang,Y. (2023). Comparing the Reconstruction of State Images of Germany and Japan in the Post-World War II Era in the Perspective of Political Symbolism Theory. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,21,314-320.
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References

[1]. Nye, J. (2005) Soft Power: The Way to Success in World Politics. Oriental Publishing House.

[2]. Wang, H.Z. (2016) Symbolic Politics Interpretation of National Image Shaping. Nanjing Social Science, (10), 63-70.

[3]. He, L. (2014) The Role of German Media in Reflecting on Nazi History. Academic Exchange, 248(11), 167-171.

[4]. Yao, H., Zhang, J. (2010) On European Identity and European Integration in Post-Unification Germany. Contemporary World and Socialism, 01.

[5]. Dou, X.W. (2008) Germany’s Experience and Inspiration in Reshaping National Image. Foreign Communication, 147(12), 54-55.

[6]. Ichiro Yoshida. (2007) A Rethink on the Line. Minutes of Niigata University of Business Administration, 3, 145.

[7]. Zhang, G. (1996) Research on Japan’s Foreign Aid Policy. Tianjin People’s Publishing, 205.

[8]. Bi, Y.N. (2019) The Evolution and Construction of Japan’s National Image in the Postwar Period. Journal of Northeast Asia, 01.

[9]. Jin, C.M., Ling, Q. (2014) Japan’s Tourism National Strategy from the Perspective of Cultural Soft Power. World Geography Research, 03.

[10]. Jing, X. (2021) How Germany Repaired Its National Image through Cultural Diplomacy after World War II. Public Diplomacy Quarterly, 03.

[11]. Chen, Z.Q. (2011) Comparison of National Image Building between Japan and Germany. Contemporary World and Socialism, 01.

[12]. Jia, Q.J. (2015) The Ideological Substance of Japan’s ODA Policies towards Southeast Asian Countries during the Cold War Period - Taking Three Representative Japanese Diplomas in Southeast Asia as an Example. Journal of Chongqing University of Technology (Social Sciences), 29(08), 93-97.

Cite this article

Wang,Y. (2023). Comparing the Reconstruction of State Images of Germany and Japan in the Post-World War II Era in the Perspective of Political Symbolism Theory. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,21,314-320.

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About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Global Politics and Socio-Humanities

ISBN：978-1-83558-121-6(Print) / 978-1-83558-122-3(Online)
Editor：Javier Cifuentes-Faura, Enrique Mallen
Conference website: https://www.icgpsh.org/
Conference date: 13 October 2023
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.21
ISSN：2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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References

[1]. Nye, J. (2005) Soft Power: The Way to Success in World Politics. Oriental Publishing House.

[2]. Wang, H.Z. (2016) Symbolic Politics Interpretation of National Image Shaping. Nanjing Social Science, (10), 63-70.

[3]. He, L. (2014) The Role of German Media in Reflecting on Nazi History. Academic Exchange, 248(11), 167-171.

[4]. Yao, H., Zhang, J. (2010) On European Identity and European Integration in Post-Unification Germany. Contemporary World and Socialism, 01.

[5]. Dou, X.W. (2008) Germany’s Experience and Inspiration in Reshaping National Image. Foreign Communication, 147(12), 54-55.

[6]. Ichiro Yoshida. (2007) A Rethink on the Line. Minutes of Niigata University of Business Administration, 3, 145.

[7]. Zhang, G. (1996) Research on Japan’s Foreign Aid Policy. Tianjin People’s Publishing, 205.

[8]. Bi, Y.N. (2019) The Evolution and Construction of Japan’s National Image in the Postwar Period. Journal of Northeast Asia, 01.

[9]. Jin, C.M., Ling, Q. (2014) Japan’s Tourism National Strategy from the Perspective of Cultural Soft Power. World Geography Research, 03.

[10]. Jing, X. (2021) How Germany Repaired Its National Image through Cultural Diplomacy after World War II. Public Diplomacy Quarterly, 03.

[11]. Chen, Z.Q. (2011) Comparison of National Image Building between Japan and Germany. Contemporary World and Socialism, 01.

[12]. Jia, Q.J. (2015) The Ideological Substance of Japan’s ODA Policies towards Southeast Asian Countries during the Cold War Period - Taking Three Representative Japanese Diplomas in Southeast Asia as an Example. Journal of Chongqing University of Technology (Social Sciences), 29(08), 93-97.

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