Fallow's fascinating observation on Japan-v-China (Thomas P.M. Barnett

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Fallow's fascinating observation on Japan-v-China

Found here: http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/11/the_way_vs_a_way_japan_v_china.php.

The more I find myself on these reporting trips for Esquire, the more I appreciate his work and Kaplan's. I don't always agree with the outcomes of the analysis, but I do appreciate their eyes more and their capacity to record.

Interesting timing for me: Tokyo Shimbun comes to my house Monday to shoot me (my, that sounded weird if taken the wrong way!) and interview on China's rise. I'm not telling--for now--who's the opposing angle.

Should be interesting.

Anyway, Fallow's point here is one I make a lot, as does Steve DeAngelis when we peddle Development-in-a-Box™: there's 6 Sigma and there's C Sigma. Most of the time the China Sigma will do to get the ball rolling in the Gap. Perfection is often the enemy of progress.

My thanks to Craig Nordin.

Posted by Thomas P.M. Barnett on December 1, 2007 11:10 AM | Permalink |

Comments (3)

Fallows has been one of my favorite reporters since his days at the Washington Monthly. He's also spent a fair amount of time in Japan as well. In think that the title of his blog entry is appropriate as the greatest strength (and sometimes the greatest weakness) of the Japan is the system. The refueling operation shown in the illustration reflects the requirements of several laws including the Japanese Fire and Industrial Safety Laws. Excellent Japanese companies execute by the manual and work to improve as they move forward. This is appropriate behavior for companies operating in mature industrial economies in contrast to your observation about operations in the GAP.

FYI, Tokyo Shinbun is a local paper in a market dominated by the 4 national dailies (Yomiuri, Asahi, Mainichi, Nikkei). I'm impressed that they're coming to interview you as they're not particularly known for the depth of their coverage (note, I've only glanced at it occasionally as I've never worked at an organization that subscribed to it).

Posted by Bob Kawaratani | December 1, 2007 5:20 PM

Is that the correct link?

Posted by Michael | December 3, 2007 4:30 PM

as far as i know, Michael. why?

Posted by Sean Meade | December 3, 2007 10:34 PM