Reflection Series Reflection on the Approach To understand

Reflection Series

Reflection on the Approach Ø To understand a region, two dimensions should be considered: time and space (namely, history and domain). Further, two actors : nature and human beings. Ø Jered Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel (1997) is a good reference for this purpose. The documentary series, “Global Documentary Humankind, our Story” (KBS, 2013) is also very good. Ø Fundamentally we are concerned with development. What is development? What are the factors for development and underdevelopment for a region (or a society or a country)? Further, what are relations between or among regions? Ø We need a multi-dimensional approach. Ø Can the world be eventually a true “Global Village”? Ø Which country or region is most important, in what sense? Ø Which country or region I like best, why?

Reflection on NA, EU and CIS Ø NA is strong in technology, EU is strong in diversity, and CIS is strong in natural resources. Economic power of CIS is the weakest. Although US is in recession, its economy is still the most powerful one in the world. Since EU and NA are more cooperative, CIS is hard to resume the earlier power as the Soviet Union. Ø However, if China and Russia (and BRICS) can ally, it may not be easy for us to contain China. Thus, it may be better to continue the engagement strategy towards China. If the two countries can be allies, the world will be much benefited. Ø Against this possibility, what CIS in general and Russia in particular should do?

Reflection on NEA, SEA and SA Ø What made the starting of industrialization in the order of NEA, SEA, and SA? Ø In terms of geography SEA has many weak points to form a strong regional bloc. However, they successfully established ASEAN and so far ASEAN has played as the center of gravity in East Asian geopolitics. Is this due to their merits or due to mistakes of NEA? Ø In East Asia, China represents the ‘continental power’ and Japan represents the ‘ocean power’, backed up by obviously China has better geopolitical stance, at least potentially. However, Great Britain colonized India, which implies distance may not necessarily be a disadvantage for US and Japan. Ø India’s vision of ‘democratic development’ is a noble vision. It is an opposite to the development statism. It may be realized, but it would take too long.

Reflection on Northeast Asia Ø The issue or problem is the relationship of the three countries, China, Korea and Japan is trying to build-up alliance against China. It is understandable, but it may not be wise since the 21 st century will be tripolar century where Asia is one of the polars. Japan alone cannot make other major Asian countries as its ally. Ø The new generation of CJK should think of open future, overcoming narrow nationalism. Ø What is the solution to the North Korean threat? Obviously a war is not the solution. Then What? If China and Korea be allies, there may be a better solution. Ø China’s issue is eventually not becoming a superpower, but with what it will contribute to the world, to be a true respected leader.

Reflection on Southeast Asia Ø Southeast can be proud of ASEAN. Ø Once, they achieve industrialization up to a similar level of the Northeast Asia, the region can be another hub. Ø Resources, human or natural, are the main sources of competitiveness of the region. Ø Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia will be eventually the three leading countries. Ø Korea and Vietnam can from special alliance because of many similarities. If Korea can form strategic alliance with Vietnam and Turkey, three of them eventually emerge another power in Asia