Former Japanese Ambassador
to Ukraine/Cuba, Prof. at National Defense Academy Mutsuo Mabuchi's insightful review of 2016 and outlook for 2017.
- In the historical global battle between globalism vs. nationalism, Trump presidency and Brexit mean the victory of nationalism in USA and UK.
- Nonetheless, some
people are still scoffing at this result, whether in USA, UK or even Japan. It
will be tragic in 2017 if these people do not reflect the significance of
events that have happened this year.
- In peaceful
Japan, we don't recognize or want to believe, but some groups are forcing the
world to be at the crossroads of facing a major war. Such tension could become
even worse in 2017. That is, anti-Trump backlash could escalate.
- From a common
sense perspective, there is a high risk of terrorism during the Christmas. Turkey is the next Syria. In
several books I published this year, I clearly stated that American neocon
raised IS. If one thinks just IS terrors, s/he never understands what is
happening in the Middle East.
- What is
required to Japanese diplomacy next year is diplomatic power that is able to
respond to the new world order/paradigm. Unfortunately, traditional MOFA
mindset is unable to do so on issues like the Northern Territories or
Japan-U.S. alliance. Old ideas are no longer useful.
- It is
important to become at least mentally independent. The Japanese public are
already aware of that. It is politicians and bureaucrats that are not. Sadly,
they are behind by one round or two the world trend.
- How so?
Because of the spell "political correctness." To put it another way
on this year's events (Trump presidency or Brexit), the delusion of political
correctness has been revealed. Why "political" correctness, not just correctness?
Political correctness is to limit free speech, or prefer minorities over a
majority -- that is against democracy. [Note: in my view, while that is true, it is also important to take minorities' view seriously because historically they have initiated social progress.]
- In Japan or
elsewhere, intellectuals or the press still try not to admit that, looking down
on and preaching the public. Their delusion will be further revealed next
year.
