Kido Takayoshi vs Ruud Lubbers

Kido Takayoshi, as a Choshu leader, negotiated the secret Satsuma-Choshu Alliance with Saigo Takamori of Satsuma. This alliance united the two most powerful domains against the Tokugawa shogunate, paving the way for the Meiji Restoration.

Kido Takayoshi was a principal drafter of the Charter Oath, a five-article document outlining the Meiji government's principles. It called for deliberative assemblies, public participation, and the pursuit of knowledge worldwide.

Kido Takayoshi advocated for and helped implement the abolition of feudal domains (han) and their replacement with prefectures. This centralized power under the Meiji government, ending centuries of feudal rule.

Kido Takayoshi was a key member of the Iwakura Mission, traveling to the United States and Europe to study Western institutions. He helped gather information that shaped Japan's modernization policies.

Kido Takayoshi opposed the Seikanron proposal to invade Korea, arguing for domestic reform first. He resigned from the government when the proposal was initially favored, but his stance eventually prevailed, preventing a costly war.

Lubbers introduced austerity measures, cutting social benefits, reducing public sector wages, and deregulating the economy. These 'No Nonsense' policies aimed to combat stagflation and high unemployment. They reduced the budget deficit but also increased social inequality and labor market flexibility.

Lubbers became prime minister at age 43, leading a coalition of CDA and VVD. He was the youngest Dutch prime minister since World War II. His first term focused on economic recovery, cutting public spending, and reducing the budget deficit.

Lubbers' government agreed to the deployment of 48 US cruise missiles on Dutch soil as part of NATO's dual-track decision. This was highly controversial, sparking massive peace protests. The decision was later reversed after the INF Treaty with the Soviet Union.

Lubbers resigned after the 1994 election, in which his CDA lost 20 seats, its worst result ever. He had served three consecutive terms (1982-1994), making him the longest-serving Dutch prime minister. His resignation marked the end of Christian Democratic dominance.

Lubbers resigned as UN High Commissioner for Refugees after an internal investigation found he had sexually harassed a female staff member. He denied the allegations but stepped down to avoid damaging the UN. This ended his international career on a negative note.