「新しい戦争」論と東北アジア : 地域平和の構築に向けて

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to draw some important lessons for modern Northeast Asian politics from Mary Kardor's “new war” theory. Although scholars’ interests in this theory have concentrated largely on her definition of the “new war”, her main concern lies, as Kardor herself claims, in calling for an alternative “cosmopolitan politics” in place of identity politics. Identity politics, one of the most outstanding characteristics of “new wars”, is so inherently exclusive that it tends to result in disputes among ethnic groups even after actual conflicts end. The aim of Kardor's “cosmopolitan politics” is, therefore, to secure, restore and enlarge the cosmopolitan space where tolerance, multiculaturalism, civility and democracy are principal political norms; its underlying target is to remove from societies the factors that foster identity politics and the particularism of each ethnic group. I argue that this prescription for the “new war” has important implications for modern North-east Asia. In the last decade diplomatic and military tensions have been rising considerably in this region, with no clear signs of their future relaxation observed. The current situation has not reached the state of “war” yet, but identity politics is already a notable feature in North-east Asia too, casting gloomy shadows over its future prospects. Not only does the exclusive politics have an intensifying effect on the tensions, it may also lead to the outbreak of “new wars” in the region. Such conflicts, if occurring, are very likely to have repercussions beyond areas of conflicts. The best way to avoid this is, I contend, to foster and expand cosmopolitan spaces in various parts of North-east Asia, as Kardor suggests. This is the most preferable option for restoring peace in the region, rather than maintaining the traditional state-oriented policy of “national security”.