In the 21st century, Japan should rise to the diplomatic challenge of developing strategies to create a new order in East Asia, where confusion still reigns after the end of the Cold War.
Although it has been the world's largest provider of official development assistance for nine consecutive years, Japan has failed to play a diplomatic role commensurate with its economic prowess. It has avoided active participation in the United Nations peacekeeping operations, citing constitutional restraints. It must play a more active role in international affairs as globalization has increasing political, economic and social effects throughout the world. To that end, Japanese politicians must be willing to take risks and depart from old-fashioned ideas.
The security environment in Asia has changed dramatically in the decade since the end of the Cold War. China has emerged as a major regional power, while there are moves toward rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula, the last frontier of the Cold War. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has suffered a decline in its influence following the Asian currency crisis. The United States has strengthened its security alliances with Japan and Australia, and stepped up cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.