Trump seeks a big premium from Japan and other allies hosting U.S. troops: Full cost plus 50% more

To clarify, I say this is unfortunate because I do believe America as a liberalizing force and protectorate has done a lot of good for the world in recent history.

Yes, of course there have been missteps and controversy from events like the Iraq War and Iran- but right now we're currently experiencing one of the most overall peaceful times in world history, record levels of literacy and education, and record levels of political participation and democracy worldwide. NATO and American hegemony/partnerships have allowed countries like Germany and Japan to focus inward on building out some of the most robust economies in the world, as well enabling countries like Korea and Mexico to lift themselves out of poverty.

I don't think most people deny that American military dominance, the resulting diplomacy and the nuclear umbrella have all been huge factors in enabling times as peaceful and prosperous as recent history, as well as the spread of democracy worldwide. American hegemony is about to come to an end soon, for better or for worse- as China rises and the world transitions to a multipolar order.

I honestly don't know what's going to happen, but there's a good chance that this will have the potential to be destabilizing, especially in Asia, and especially because the rising power in China is not a liberal democratic country. I do think China and the CCP would prefer a stable rise and status quo of current international structures- but there's no guarantee that even they can control that.

/r/japan Thread Parent Link - japantimes.co.jp