Emergence of superblocs means a bright future

• Source: Global Times
• [08:32 November 20 2009]
• Comments

From an Asian perspective , nationalism seems to have given way to cooperation based on promoting lasting peace, boosting sustainable, coordinated economic and social development.

A need for cooperation, prosperity and peace for all people seems to trump political ideology when it comes to economic progress.

Similarly the EU was founded on the back of an already established European Community, which in itself was based on supranationalism and international law, designed to help the economy of Europe and prevent future war by "EU member states."

If as Hatoyama says, the EAC is to be based on the EU model, including the use of a common currency, then the future of the East Asia region will see some momentous changes that will ultimately transform it beyond recognition.

However, people might see the strong national identities of East Asian countries as a barrier to regional unity. After all, the people of Asia have fought bitter wars against each other in the past.

Moreover, strong national identities once tore Europe apart. A pointless World War I, fought by arrogant and power-hungry leaders, was followed by another fought because of gross mistreatment of the losers who consequently turned to ultranationalism as their savior.

More than 60 years on and now there is a group of 25 European countries which have abolished all border controls, and 27 countries are now willing to stand united under one president.

Now a decision on the identity of the EU's first president looms, with names like fomer UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy being thrown into the mix.

Blair seems to have limited support from those who wish the EU president to be a "big hitter" on the global stage, while those who would rather see an effective manager take the reins are more inclined to back Van Rompuy.

Some are adamant that Blair is a warmonger who circumvents the democratic process, but even his fiercest critics would struggle to compare him to 1984's "Big Brother" character who was president of one of the superstates. So regardless who gets the job this week, the future remains bright by comparison.

East Asia has seen wars and foreign invasion contributing to instability and economic stagnation in the region, but like Europe, East Asia is beginning to flourish into the prosperous region it is destined to be.

Nations are beginning to push forward a positive agenda for cooperation, and ultimately unity.

Put in global context, this might ostensibly look like Orwell's dystopian vision but will hopefully be closer to a utopia of the new century.

The author is a Beijing-based journalist. gav_mowat@hotmail. Com