Since the beginning of the year, relations between the United States and China have become sharply strained while those between Japan and China have markedly deteriorated -- as if East Asia were headed for a new Cold War. In these circumstances it seems fitting to discuss how to build security mechanisms in this region, particularly how to realize a strategic dialogue between the U.S., China and Japan.
Let us remember that the recent surges of nationalism are temporary and that the underlying trends of globalism and internationalism are here to stay. The early 21st century looms as a transition period in which sovereign states as we understand them today will evolve toward less sovereign states. In this period, international relations will be governed increasingly by mutual cooperation, even as the forces of mutual counteraction remain strong.
It will likely take a very long time, perhaps 100 to 200 years, before the shift away from sovereign states is completed. As evidenced by the formation of the European Union, the world is beginning to move steadily toward integration.