Europe and the U.S. After being liberated from it by World War II, they underwent the threat of Communist guerrillas, followed by the Vietnam War and the threat of the Soviet Union. All that has gone now. So, ASEAN countries and regions can be prepared for multilateral cooperation. However, one thing that is different from Europe is that they are in an era of nationalism. They feel a potential threat of China. The most important task in the 21st century is how to deal with China. If we can solve this problem, the problems of the U.N. will also be solved. If China is going to be accepted in international society, the only body that can accept the nation is the U.N. for the time being. The possibility of having China adapt to international society mainly through the efforts by the U.N. will arise within 30 years from now. Until then, relationships among nations that are based on political dynamics will continue.
Fujita: In the process of glocalism, what roles should a civil society or NGOs play?
Vogel: Let me present one example. It is essential for China to make contact with the rest of the world. Though the U.N. plays an important part, NGOs also are expected to work in various fields. They need contact with China more often. In China, most people aged 45 years old or older have not received college education, nor experienced exchanges with foreign countries, due to the Cultural Revolution. These people will be in power for 15 more years or so. Therefore, we need to help Chinese leaders in political and military fields join international organizations, by providing them with opportunities to participate in overseas meetings, and by teaching them foreign laws and practices, as well as to foster the younger generations.
Agt: We will not be able to count on sovereign states so much. Civil organizations like NGOs will increasingly be at the center of activities. How each group can contribute, rests on raising awareness and spreading information. There are many people who do not know to what extent the global environment has been deteriorating, and the fact that the climate has been changing. I do not think the media fully report issues that significantly affect the future of human beings. Such a weak point will be made up for by NGOs.
The European Community issues eco labels, which are attached to various products to indicate that the manufacturer of the product considers ecology. In this way, consumers are encouraged to monitor corporations and choose a product of a conscientious manufacturer, if other conditions are met.
