1.
external pressure; outside pressure
Pressure applied from outside an organization, group, or country, often to influence policy or behavior.
外圧に屈する。
To give in to external pressure.
外圧によって改革が進んだ。
Reform progressed due to external pressure.
政府は外圧に負けて市場を開放せざるを得なかった。
The government had no choice but to open its markets, succumbing to foreign pressure.
Composed of 外 (outside, external) + 圧 (pressure). In Japanese political discourse, this word is particularly associated with diplomatic pressure from foreign governments, especially the United States, to change domestic policies.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 外圧に屈する: to yield to external pressure
- 外圧をかける: to apply external pressure
- 外圧に負ける: to give in to external pressure
- 外圧による改革: reform driven by external pressure
CULTURAL NOTE:
In postwar Japan, 外圧 has been a key concept in political and economic discussions. It often refers to pressure from the US or other trading partners to open markets, change trade practices, or reform regulations. Some argue that 外圧 has been a catalyst for necessary changes that would not have happened through domestic initiative alone.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 圧力: pressure — general term; 外圧 specifically means pressure from outside
- 内圧: internal pressure — the opposite of 外圧