Climate of Opinion, Kuuki, and Democracy

Abstract

This article deals with the “climate of opinion” not only among the general public but also within the mass media and government sectors. It discusses how the climate of opinions in different sectors influence each other and political decision making as a final outcome. Kuuki refers to a Japanese as well as a Chinese and Korean concept meaning a climate of opinion with strong political and social pressure requiring compliance. Many historical examples of kuuki pressures such as anti-Semitism, jingoism, anti-Communism, and antiwar movements are introduced and analyzed. The article also deals with how climate of opinions or kuuki within and across different sectors can be estimated quantitatively. It discusses the conditions under which kuuki emerges and functions politically. It sheds new light on the mechanisms of social and political pressures and decision making, especially on the macro or societal level.