East Asian security revisited in light of the European experience

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relevance of the European integration experience for East Asia`s future security architecture. Similar to what happened in Europe, the paper argues, there may be a need for a cathartic process of remembrance and reconciliation in East Asia to help transcend historical legacies and create a solid foundation for integration. Considering the multi-faceted nature of security threats, moreover, it is hypothesized that the main ingredient of the European success strategy-the institutionalization of trust on multiple levels which, at least in some issue areas, requires the voluntary curtailment of states`autonomy-is likely to be emulated in the long run. A mini case study scrutinizes the essential elements of reconciliation (remembrance, restitution, apology) and shows how they enabled Germany to confront its past successfully, whereas Japanese attempts to transcend historical legacies thus far have fallen short. The paper then sketches several European institutional arrange.