Case 291 - A Man Between Two Countries: President Fujimori and the Japanese Ambassador's Residence Hostage Crisis
Garrison, Steve
This case study examines a crucial point in the development of democracy in Peru: President Alberto Fujimori’s decision to use force to free 72 hostages from the Japanese ambassador’s residence. Peru, only recently democratic, was struggling with the transition to a civilian-led government amidst the pressures of terrorism and economic decline. Fujimori’s decision to use force to free the hostages provides an excellent opportunity to examine the pressures that leaders in newly democratized countries face, both domestically and internationally, in times of crisis. This case could be used in courses covering Latin American politics, comparative politics, or regime transitions.