ABSTRACT
It seems that most commentators are in agreement that the centre of gravity of global politics has shifted from Europe to the Asia-Pacific. Such shift is indicated by the rise of China and India to global prominence, Japan’s gradual assertion of its military strength and a significant repositioning in the US global force posture in favour of the Asia-Pacific. The current debate, therefore, tends to concentrate on whether the Asia-Pacific will witness rising tensions and conflicts in the coming years, with various powers jockeying for influence in the region, or whether the forces of economic globalization and multilateralism will lead to peace and stability. Some have asked the question more directly: will Europe’s past be Asia’s future (Friedberg, 2000)?
