This role, however, must be in the context of a proactive peace strategy in which preventive diplomacy is the main mechanism for ensuring peace and stability in the region. A change of attitude by the Japanese is important if this role is to have any real meaning. Asian leaders, too, must take into consideration the rapidly changing international environment where economic benefits derived from greater cooperation among countries must take precedence over traditional military and security concerns. Leaders around the globe must realize that without constant diligence, the horrors of World War II can easily be repeated. They must be convinced that the way to greater security is through peace.
Security is enhanced in an atmosphere of peace because it allows for dialogue and understanding.
Dialogue is also the way to ease tensions and to manage conflict, even as rapid improvements in world telecommunications increasingly help to shape international public opinion against aggression and violence. In a world of increased transactions and interactions among peoples, the concept of national sovereignty is becoming less and less useful in an era of borderless societies, free trade areas, multinational companies, and common markets. In some sense, territorial disputes may resolve themselves not through the traditional diplomacy of states asserting national sovereignty, but through more innovative ways of cooperation among countries. Perhaps a more global political culture may spare the world of yet another world war. Noel M. Morada is Director of International Studies at the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies in Manila.