The lasting influence of imperialism is one of the most interesting aspects of current geo political relationships. As discussed in last week’s meeting the perceptions and feelings tied to nationalist images and military capability depend very much on the nature of that country’s actions in the past. Japan was aggressive and brutal during it’s imperial age. As a result it’s military reemergence onto the international scene is viewed very differently by the United States as compared to Korea and China. While the United States wanted very much to limit the size and capability of Japan post World War II. The fact that Japan has not had to spend large portions of its economy on military has been perceived as an unfair advantage by the old industrial nations. However, China and Korea remember the brutality their people experienced at hand of the Japanese military during its imperialist heyday. Moving beyond our internal (Likely American) perceptions of East Asia is vital at this juncture for a variety of reasons. I am looking forward to learning more about the details of all of these relationships through out this seminar/workshop.
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