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We live in turbulent times. Since the old order disintegrated in the early 1990s, the world has faced the challenge of re-establishing its international order under a new set of norms. While initially it seemed as if the USA would be the single mono-power, and all nations would train their compasses on it, the turn of the century saw some significant changes: that is, the shifting of power both horizontally and vertically. As is historically evident, power in the international order is accounted for by economic power, and China has slowly and steadily moved to the second place in the economic order, and begun asserting itself as an alternative. Further, a new set of nations began to emerge in the economic scenario: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, popularly known as the 'BRICS' nations. In addition, small nations grew in strength by creating groups like the ASEAN. Thus, in spite of the single colossus of the US, a multi-polar system emerged. When too many contenders emerge with no clear leader, what then becomes the order of the day is the establishment of platforms to conduct business and enable positive engagement. As a result, one can witness a plethora of Free Trade Agreements, and Comprehensive Agreements at the bilateral as well as multilateral levels.
The rise of China on the economic front and progressively in the military arena directed the US to engage with China beyond what was seen during the 1980s and 1990s. In recent years, China's attempt at making its presence felt, and establishing its stakes on various fronts in East Asia Region signalled for America's intervention by other neighbouring states. However, the USA decided to play a rather passive role, and this became a strong indicator for neighbouring states to venture out and look beyond a US alliance. The North Korean missile programme, nuclearisation and its on-going attempts at creating apprehensions by directing its missiles to Japan and South Korea has necessarily tilted a peaceful region into a tension prone zone. This explains the growing attempts of these nations to find strength in more friendly strategic partners.
For Japan, two of its neighbours, China and North Korea, are distinctly posed in the 'other camp'. Not only is there a difference in...