The most perceptive analysis of the world's security landscape in the years to come would be the idea of "G-Zero" by Ian Bremmer.China does not intend to maintain international order.The country has displayed power through repeated interference in the internal affairs and territories of neighboring countries.If the leadership of the United States continues to wane, we will enter an era of a world without leadership,which will increase the geopolitical risks in Asia and the Middle East.
Political subjects in international relations are nations.Whether a nation is able to ensure safety and the well being of its people in the face of a difficult international environment and enjoy peace depends solely on the qualities and capabilities of the leader.
While Japan had suffered from the problem of deficient leadership for the past 20 years,I think Prime Minister Abe has demonstrated a high degree of leadership in both economic and foreign policies.
ーWhat do you think of constitutional reform?
I have clearly stated on a number of occasions that Article 9 of the Constitution should be amended.
In the sphere of international politics, there is no law enforcement entity that can exert coercive force against an individual country.As long as there is no entity to which one can entrust national defense, ruling out the necessity for the use of force as political means is unthinkable.Precisely because war is the reality in international politics, a realistic approach is to recognize this, maintain order without resorting to war, and find ways to further national interests.
Until the fundamental problem of constitutional reform is resolved, Japan cannot take a definite stance on any issues as a country.
Leaders must endure loneliness
ーWhat does a leader need in order to demonstrate leadership?
Faith. A true leader is always alone.Even if he is doing his best for the country, the leader is criticized by opposing forces and the mass media. He needs strong faith to endure the loneliness.Such faith is what drives one to overcome the difficulties one faces.
In recent years, there have been no Japanese leaders who have a proper idea on how to define the goals of the people and the nation.Prime Minister Abe is different. He seems to have faith.
For my part, I have faith in Christianity.I started out as a scholar in agricultural economics.Winning a scholarship in my 40s, I went to Cornell University in the United States to study and prepare a doctoral thesis, which was met with favorable responses.In those days, when there had been a serious agricultural issue in Taiwan in connection with land reform,I had an opportunity to present my ideas to Chiang Ching-kuo, the son of Chiang Chieh-shih and the then vice president of the Executive Yuan (equivalent to deputy prime minister of Japan).When Chiang Ching-kuo assumed office as president of the Executive Yuan (equivalent to prime minister), I joined the Cabinet as minister without portfolio (equivalent to minister of state). I was 48 years old.
