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Clash of Dreams: Becoming a ‘Normal Country’ in East Asia

Zheng Wang

The region’s countries have different visions of what they want to be. Can they work together to achieve them?

Clash of Dreams: Becoming a ‘Normal Country’ in East Asia

Image Credit: REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Originally appeared in The Diplomat Feburary 4, 2014

East Asian countries are each striving to become a “normal country.” In other words, they are unsatisfied with their current status and positions. The meaning of “normal country” may hold different answers for each of them: reunification, democratization, abolishing constitutional limitations, or national rejuvenation and restoration.

However, the varying contents of these countries’ dreams could lead to a clash of dreams. In particular, a real danger of a clash of dreams may include one party blaming the other for being an obstacle in the path to its search for greatness or past glory. Many problems in East Asia are represented by territorial disputes, such as those between China and Japan and between South Korea and Japan. Tensions can also be generated by words and actions over historical symbols, such as the recent controversy over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine. The fundamental source of these conflicts, however, is a clash of national dreams and identities.

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About the Author

Zheng Wang

Zheng Wang

Global Fellow;
Professor, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University
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Kissinger Institute on China and the United States

The Kissinger Institute works to ensure that China policy serves American long-term interests and is founded in understanding of historical and cultural factors in bilateral relations and in accurate assessment of the aspirations of China’s government and people.  Read more