Takaaki Suzuki

Takaaki Suzuki is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Asian Studies Program at Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences. He is affiliated with the School of International Studies and Languages and holds academic appointments in International Studies, Asian Studies, and Political Science. His office is located in Bentley Annex 231.

Education:

• B.A. in Government and East Asian Studies, Oberlin College
• M.A. in International Affairs and Certificate in East Asian Studies, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
• Ph.D. in Political Science, Columbia University (1995)

Dr. Suzuki’s research focuses on Comparative Politics and International Relations, with deep expertise in Japanese politics and Comparative Political Economy. His work examines the interplay between domestic institutions and international pressures in shaping macroeconomic and administrative policy in Japan. He has extensively studied the persistence of neoliberal policies, the evolution of the developmental state, fiscal reform, nationalism, and institutional change in post-Cold War Japan. His research is regionally anchored in East Asia, particularly Japan, where he has conducted fieldwork supported by the Japan Foundation, Social Science Research Council, and American Council of Learned Societies.

His recent publications reveal a consistent thematic focus on the resilience and adaptation of Japan's political economy, especially in the face of globalization and economic crisis. The articles span topics such as neoliberal hybridization, budgetary politics, nationalism, and administrative reform, indicating a strong interdisciplinary approach combining political science, economics, and historical institutionalism.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award
• Matsushita Postdoctoral Fellowship, Columbia University
• Visiting Scholar, Reischauer Institute, Harvard University

Dr. Suzuki has received significant external funding for his research from leading academic foundations. He advises and mentors students through the Asian Studies Program and teaches courses such as Comparative Politics, Politics and Government of Japan, and the Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics. He is currently leading a project on institutional change and inequality in Japan and co-authoring a study on macroeconomic policy divergence between Germany and Japan with James Mosher.

He is affiliated with interdisciplinary research units including the Asian Studies Program and contributes to the academic mission through teaching, research, and program leadership.