Factors Looking to Eastern World Leadership

Today Asians look for a synthesis between West ern ways that have deeply influenced them and their own cul ture. They know that isolation is impossible and are conscious of the interdependence of peoples. Asians want partnership with the West based on trust. Owing to past misfortunes, Asians are still suspicious. The West has to convince Asians that the past is gone and that they wish to help the East. Until all countries are free, Asians will continue to be suspicious. Against this is the ideological clash between democracy and totalitarianism which Asians by and large see more as a conflict between free enterprise and state-controlled economy. While their problems persist and Asians strive for a better life they become vulnerable to false materialism. Poverty erodes ide ologies. Asians cannot understand why they should be poorly fed and clothed while others are better off. The challenge to the Free World is to give meaning to human dignity and free dom that are lacking under communism. No single outlook in Asia is apparent, yet two trends, regionalism and a wait-and- see policy, are noticeable. The basic need continues to be prompt development so that a better life can be available for all. Humanity is one—the question is not of leadership of Asia or of the West. Rather it is a theme of partnership and co-operation.