Prof. Satoshi MORIMOTO
2. The common security agenda for Asia and Europe
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Third, the improvement in the bilateral relationships among the four major powers in the region-the U.S., Russia, China, and Japan-is also a significant and positive indication. In the post-Cold War period, the relationship among the major powers has been characterized, in general, as a 'concert of power,' in contrast to its balance of power nature during the Cold War era. However, relations among the major powers still exhibit some elements of power sharing and a nationalistic approach, as most major actors put a higher priority on national interests than before. In any case, China's future and the relationship among the four major powers are still key factors in shaping the regional security structure and in securing peace and stability.
In particular, Northeast Asia is the only region in which the complexly interrelated interests of all four major powers overlap. On the other hand, each of the bilateral relationships between major powers has a different aspect and dimension. So far, the U.S.-China relationship has deteriorated due to issues such as Taiwan, the NMD issue, the NATO mishap at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, alleged spying on missile and nuclear technology developments, human rights, and the WTO, to name a few.
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both regions. The future direction of Russia is still the crucial factor for stability and prosperity in Europe, just as China is critical for Asia. Both nations have huge territories and powerful militaries. They share a common border and are suffering political, economic difficulties and domestic problems. Russia and China seem to be coming together to counter the U.S. uni-polar system in recent years. However, both major powers of Russia and China have to coordinate with and get support from the United States and international organizations if they are to ensure their own economic prosperity.
Russia's substantial support to China under the Sino-Russia strategic partnership, such as the transfer of sophisticated military equipment and technology, has serious implications for security in Asia.
Europe and Asia also each need to work to ensure a continued US presence. America's European and Asian policies are closely related and the U.S. presence in each region is mutually dependent. How to maintain this presence continues to be a top priority issue for both regions.
In this context, attention must be paid to US security policy under the new us administration with regard to how U.S. will maintain or modify the force structure under new policy guidelines or strategies. Moreover, both Europe and Asia share similar concerns regarding the non-proliferation of Weapons Mass Destructor. Promoting the non-proliferation of WMD is vital to the stability of the region. In addition, both Europe and Asia share the same concerns over how to promote peacekeeping operations within the region by balancing their regional operations with those of international organizations such as the UN. As NATO continues to expand to the east, the European and Asian regional structures are likely to overlap. At that time, Central Asia and the Gulf States will be critical to the stability of both Europe and Asia.
At any rate, there is a need for further cooperation and increased dialogues in the political and security spheres between Europe and Asia. ASEM has been established for this purpose.
ASEM has to be improved and reinforced in order to increase mutual cooperation between Europe and Asia not only in the economic area, but also in political and security areas.
Third, in the process of developing a new international order, Europe and Asia need to develop various areas for dealing with issues on a global regional scale and the activities of international organizations such as the UN as well as mutual cooperative arrangements such as those between the United States, Europe, and Japan. In particular, both regions need to address a wide range of problems such as the prevention of internal conflict, population and labor migration, human rights, the environment, energy, the North-South problem, and aid to developing countries.
Cooperation in dealing with this wide range of problems is in the interests of each of the two regions. To promote Asian economic development, Asia needs to close the gap between Europe and itself, and this will require increased cooperation. Both Europe and Asia are rich and stable regions and in order for this situation to continue in the future, it is not sufficient to address only
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regional problems, and cooperation should be promoted on a global scale. If Europe and Asia can do this successfully, they will help to break new ground, and international relations will be seen as entering a stage of new cooperative relations in the post-Cold War era.
Introduction and Comments on the Paper by Prof. Satoshi Morimoto
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