Managing Wider National Identity Gaps in East Asia Without Idealism

Abstract

Confidence building starts not with idealism, but with existing national identity trends and geopolitical divisions. Previous restraints are gone. In a more charged atmosphere, US leadership must take account of identity gaps between nations. This starts with comparisons of attitudes toward regionalism and China’s rise in Southeast and Northeast Asia. Extended deterrence is the first requirement for confidence building. Transparency in military actions and intentions is another. Strengthening ASEAN and refocusing on a trilateral community of the United States, Japan, and South Korea have promising potential. These steps can accompany more outreach to China, as long as progress is repeatedly tested by clear-headed analysis.