New leaders of Asia can benefit from ‘clean slate’

What will be different — at least until the shine wears off — is the “clean slate” effect: the optimism that new leaders will be unlike their predecessors, learn from the past and become agents of positive change. Governments benefit from this optimism during the so-called “honeymoon period” when new leaders are given time to settle into office before facing inevitable criticism from the public, media, domestic political competitors and international players.

Nearly all governments look to build political momentum in the honeymoon period. Astute leaders take advantage of the clean slate to make progress in key areas where predecessors were constrained by political baggage. An example is how Shinzo Abe held summits with China and South Korea within his first month as Japanese prime minister. Mr. Abe was able to improve Japan’s regional relations because of his clean slate, having not visited Yasukuni as prime minister, in contrast to his predecessor’s regular visits to the controversial shrine.

Unfortunately for Mr. Abe, his clean slate was quickly replaced with a list of political liabilities. Yasuo Fukuda comes to office without Abe’s nationalist image, and with less guilt by association to the scandals that broke during Abe’s one-year tenure. The new Japanese prime minister can use his clean slate to reach a compromise with the opposition Democratic Party to extend the Anti-terrorism Special Measures Law, which supports international efforts in Afghanistan with Japanese refueling operations in the Indian Ocean. Mr. Fukuda should also continue trust-building efforts with Beijing and Seoul, while avoiding gaffes on historical matters. Free from Abe’s hard-line on the abduction issue, the Fukuda Cabinet can more closely coordinate with partners in the six-party talks to demand North Korea’s denuclearization.

South Korea will elect a new president on Dec. 19 who will come to office without President Roh Moo-hyun’s spotted record on foreign affairs and the economy. The next South Korean president can use his clean slate to re-anchor security policy with a strong U.S.-ROK alliance and closer relations with Japan. He should demand greater respect and reciprocity from North Korea, engaging Pyongyang out of strength rather than political desperation. Essential for South Korea’s economic relations, the next president can show unwavering commitment to implementing free trade agreements.

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