Reference News Network November 23 report - Today Russia TV website November 21 published an article titled "The West's 'Little Brother' is Sliding into a Dangerous Situation", authored by Timofey Bortchev, Director of the Project at the Valdai International Debate Club. The article is translated as follows:

Western Europe and Japan are located at the two ends of Eurasia, with distinct histories and cultures, yet their foreign policies are remarkably similar. The decisions of their countries are influenced more by Washington's mood swings than by domestic strategies. When the United States is confident, they remain calm; when the United States is uneasy, they become panicky.

Now, we witness this panic evolving into overt belligerence. In usually tranquil regions, Western Europe and Japan have adopted militaristic postures that do not match their actual capabilities.

This phenomenon has historical roots. Modern Western Europe and Japan are essentially post-war creations. For both, the outcome of World War II was disastrous. Since then, their history has been closely tied to Washington's strategic preferences. Their diplomacy has been incorporated into America's orbit.

During the Cold War, this arrangement worked to some extent. But that era has ended, and the current situation is entirely different. Washington itself is also losing confidence, with internal disputes and unclear foreign policy directions. This uncertainty puts its allies in peril. Lacking their own strategic direction, Western European and Japanese elites can only resort to the only method they are familiar with: showy displays of strength.

The consequences are evident. Western Europe increasingly resembles a military camp waiting for mobilization orders. Whether these ambitions can withstand economic realities and public opinion remains uncertain, but their intentions are clear. A large amount of money is being spent on military rearmament.

Japan also uses the same script, targeting China. Tokyo states that if Beijing takes stronger actions on the Taiwan issue, it could constitute a "critical situation" for Japan. Recent statements by the Japanese Prime Minister were quickly interpreted by China as challenging its territorial claims, reflecting a new belligerent stance.

Additionally, discussions about acquiring nuclear weapons in Japan are taking place in an unexpectedly casual manner. Japan is advancing the modernization of its Self-Defense Forces and expressing willingness to participate in major conflicts, despite the fact that the Japanese Constitution was specifically designed to prevent such situations.

It is easy to think that Washington is orchestrating this shift behind the scenes. However, the reality is more complex. Western Europe and Japan are seeking their place in today's world because the United States can no longer guarantee stability. For decades, they have relied on American power. Now, this foundation is beginning to crumble, and thus they feel fear about the future.

The danger lies in the intertwining of chaos and insecurity, which often leads to escalation of tensions. Washington is preoccupied with its own problems and believes that its allies can indefinitely maintain posturing without serious consequences. The facts may prove this view baseless. When countries with limited strategic autonomy resort to force, accidents can occur.

On May 26, 2024, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces held a military exercise at the Higashifujisaki Training Area in Shizuoka Prefecture. (Photo by AFP)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7575817395231638058/

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