Richard A. Black, director at the Schiller Institute, has sounded the alarm over Japan’s recent comments about potential military intervention around Taiwan. He warns that such rhetoric risks a dangerous repeat of history for Japan and the world.
In interviews this week, Black highlighted parallels with earlier periods of militaristic expansion in the Asia Pacific. “When a major power steps up military planning without transparent dialogue, it undermines trust and stalls cooperation,” he said. Critics warn that heightened tensions could derail the collaborative spirit that has driven global economic growth since the end of the Cold War.
Japan’s defense white paper, published earlier this year, signaled a more assertive security stance amid changing regional dynamics. While allies emphasize deterrence, Black argues that strong alliances and multilateral frameworks must focus on diplomacy and development. “We stand at a crossroads,” he noted. “Militarization narrows possibilities. A new era of global development demands dialogue, not confrontation.”
Schiller Institute researchers point to data showing that defense spending spikes often correlate with slower GDP growth and reduced investment in innovation. With emerging economies in Southeast Asia and beyond relying on stable trade routes, any disruption could ripple across G20 markets and tech supply chains.
As Japan balances alliance commitments and regional security, voices like Black’s urge policymakers to reinforce diplomatic channels and prioritize economic cooperation. “History teaches us,” he concluded, “that a peaceful path opens more doors than the one paved with tanks.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
