Strategic Panorama 2009 - 2010 - IEEE

International relations and the new world governance
dating from the same origin have been reviewed in pursuit of greater cooperation.
Such is the case of Japan. Decades of progress in democracy
and an outstanding trade dimension have led Japanese society to feel it is
an integral part of the free world. Japan’s firsthand nuclear experience led
it to reject the use of such weapons, but without them its security is greatly
exposed to Chinese nationalism and rearmament, on the one hand, and to
the North Korean nuclear programme on the other. The response has been
to remilitarise its defence and relaunch its diplomatic, security and defence
relations with the United States. The status of defeated nation and de
facto protectorate of the United States now is a thing of the past. Japan,
on an equal footing, seeks a bigger and better relationship with the United
States in the belief that the latter plays an essential role as guarantor of
security in the Pacific.
States with which relations were distant not long ago have become
key allies with which the relationship currently being developed looks set
to become crucial during the present century. India left behind its socialist
and non-aligned experiments to fully embrace economic liberalism
following its democratic experience and the realisation that it stands much
to gain in an open market. Its serious problems with Islamism at home and
with Pakistan at its north border, its mistrust of China’s ultimate intentions
and its global economic interests have led it to forge a special relationship
with the United States as a key to defining its new position as an international
actor in a global world.
Muslim nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia are proving their ability
to give shape to democratic regimes, with the limitations and difficulties
that are known to all, and to open and dynamic economies. Others with
their roots in the West, such as Australia and New Zealand, have been
strongholds of democratic values and models for many of their neighbours.
They maintain close relations with their environment and their universities
and research centres are excellent observatories for ascertaining
how the region is progressing in all its dimensions.
China, together with the United States, is the actor par excellence. Its
more than 1.3 billion inhabitants, its spectacular annual growth figures,
the share it already accounts for in the world economy, and its significant
and growing military capabilities are securing it a fundamental role in
international politics during the first half of the 21 st century. Its leaders are
mentally prepared and ready for this. They have been yearning for it for
decades and believe they have found the Chinese way to modernisation.
However, the difficulties that await them are huge. Be that as it may, wha-
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