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A Taste of Communists’ Own Medicine: The Political Consequences of Land Reforms in Japan and Taiwan

Author

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  • Chiang, Daniel Minghan

    (University of Rochester)

  • Fan, Elliott

    (National Taiwan University)

  • Hsu, Dexter

    (University of California, Davis)

Abstract

Postwar land reforms in East Asia were implemented as a geopolitical strategy to curb communism expansion. This paper evaluates their long-term political effects in Japan and Taiwan. In Japan, reform increased support for conservative parties and reduced backing for socialist and communist factions, with intergenerational persistence. Taiwan’s reform similarly bolstered electoral support for the Kuomintang. IV analyses support a causal interpretation. Survey evidence suggests that land acquisition fostered a desire for political stability as the mechanism, rather than through reciprocity or pro-market ideology. These findings highlight land reform’s critical role in shaping postwar political alignment and deflecting communist influence.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiang, Daniel Minghan & Fan, Elliott & Hsu, Dexter, 2025. "A Taste of Communists’ Own Medicine: The Political Consequences of Land Reforms in Japan and Taiwan," IZA Discussion Papers 18095, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18095
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q15 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Land Ownership and Tenure; Land Reform; Land Use; Irrigation; Agriculture and Environment
    • Q11 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Aggregate Supply and Demand Analysis; Prices
    • N55 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - Asia including Middle East
    • P26 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Property Rights

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