[A. Pole]

Yeah, how well has that worked for Japan since 1989?

Why SINCE 1989? What about BEFORE 1989? Japan transformed from the Third World country into the leading economical power. Most of the Third World countries would gladly had Japanese post 1989 problems (BTW, Japan is not doing so bad even after 1989 and USA is getting deeper into the debt with Japan).

[Toddsterpatriot]

Why SINCE 1989?

You said:
Pragmatic (not ideological) national policy combining market and well calibrated government intervention usually worked very well.

So, how well has it worked in Japan since 1989? Or would that ruin your point that government intervention usually works?

[Toddsterpatriot]

Japan transformed from the Third World country into the leading economical power.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the United States is the leading economic power.

[malakhi]

Japan transformed from the Third World country into the leading economical power.

Japan was a First World country throughout the 20th Century.

Also, they were significantly benefited in the post-WWII era by not having to foot the bill for their national defense.