The deadlock over the results of the U.S. presidential election is likely to undermine the administration that will be inaugurated next January. It remains to be seen if the United States, the world's only superpower, will continue to lead world affairs in the 21st century as it did in the last one.
Political confusion also reigns in Japan, where Koichi Kato, former secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has launched an open revolt against unpopular Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and demanded his resignation. Public-approval ratings for the Mori Cabinet have plunged to abysmally low levels following a series of gaffes by the prime minister.
Power struggles in the LDP are escalating as the opposition forces gear up to introduce a no-confidence motion against the Mori Cabinet in the Diet. It is unclear if the turbulence will lead to drastic political realignment, but one thing is certain: Political uncertainties are likely to continue until the Upper House election scheduled for next summer.