Nobusuke Kishi vs Robert Muldoon

As prime minister, Kishi pursued policies to stimulate economic growth, including tax cuts, increased public works, and support for heavy industry. He also worked to normalize Japan's international standing, securing membership in the United Nations in 1956 and promoting trade with Southeast Asia.

As prime minister, Nobusuke Kishi pushed through the revised US-Japan Security Treaty in January 1960, which strengthened the bilateral alliance and allowed US forces to remain in Japan. The treaty's ratification sparked massive protests and a political crisis, leading to Kishi's resignation shortly after its passage.

Kishi's government used police force to suppress the massive demonstrations against the Security Treaty, including the controversial decision to call in riot police to clear the Diet building. The crackdown deepened public anger and damaged Kishi's reputation, contributing to his decision to step down.

Robert Muldoon led the National Party to victory in the 1975 general election, defeating the Labour government. He became Prime Minister, a position he held for nine years, known for his confrontational style and populist policies.

Muldoon's government launched the 'Think Big' program, a series of large-scale industrial projects including synthetic fuel plants and steel mills. The projects aimed to reduce New Zealand's dependence on imported oil but incurred massive debt and were criticized as economically unsound.

Muldoon's government allowed the South African rugby team to tour New Zealand despite apartheid, sparking massive protests. The tour divided the country and led to widespread civil disobedience, with police clashing with protesters.

Muldoon imposed a comprehensive wage and price freeze to combat inflation. The freeze was initially popular but led to distortions in the economy and was eventually abandoned, contributing to his government's defeat in 1984.

Muldoon called a snap election in 1984, which his National Party lost to David Lange's Labour Party. The defeat ended his nine-year tenure as Prime Minister, and he later faced a constitutional crisis over the transition of power.