A great global transformation is going on. When the Cold War ended, people everywhere expected that globalism would take root, bringing political stability and economic growth, and making progress in social welfare. Instead, risks are now mounting in many aspects.

First, governance risks are rising in international politics. Serious confrontation is continuing between Western countries and Russia over the Ukraine issue while no solution is in sight for the problems of Syria and the Islamic State group among parties concerned, including surrounding countries like Turkey.

The United States, Japan, South Korea and China reached a compromise over a long-range rocket launched this year by North Korea and its nuclear and missile development programs, leading to the United Nations Security Council's adoption of a resolution on new sanctions against Pyongyang. But the impact of the sanctions is unpredictable.