Friends and foes

Familiarity breeds contempt, possibly even leading to hatred. But it might sometimes generate lasting relationship in cooperation or affection. That applies to the social and individual levels. It is a notable hypothesis in psychology and game theory. In daily language, friends and foes are not forever.

I am thinking about international relations (China-Japan; US-Japan; Germany-France); as well as personal love-hate stories, dramatized in popular movies and songs.

A case in point for the triangular relations among US, Japan and China?
http://cablenews.i-cable.com/webapps/news_video/index.php?news_id=406126

Now critical comments emerge from US about Abe's hawkish gestures:

Shinzo Abe’s inability to face history
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/shinzo-abes-inability-to-face-history/2013/04/26/90f5549c-ae87-11e2-a986-eec837b1888b_story.html

It may not be an expression of pacifism, but for fear that these vocal and actual provocations would only provide China excuses to strengthening its position in the arms race. Japan cannot rely on unlimited US military support without careful geopolitical considerations.

Earlier, I posted “An abyss in politics is more dangerous than any individual’s”, citing “Japan n Under Neonationalist, Neoliberal Rule: Moving Toward an Abyss?" (http://www.japanfocus.org/-Herbert_P_-Bix/3927) I quote:

"It is widely assumed that the Japan-U.S. military alliance plays a key role in securing peace in Northeast Asia. It not only shores up procedural democracy in Japan and South Korea but also assures Japan’s neighbors, China in particular, of Japan’s commitment to pacifism. Close analysis of the current stage of neonationalism and neoliberal austerity economics in Japan, as exemplified by the government that recently took over in Tokyo, conveys a different impression.
…

The 2012 election thus revealed growing divides in Japanese society along lines of income, age, and educational level. Concurrently, it signaled a determination on the part of the LDP to more vigorously pursue anti-populist, neoliberal policies even though they have contributed directly to voter disaffection, as well as growing poverty and insecurity.
…

Perhaps the greatest danger remains the Abe government’s deep embrace of U.S. strategic plans, designed to sustain the American empire of troops and bases including Japan and South Korea, and its naval fleets that patrol the Pacific. U.S. actions expose Japan to the fallout from Washington’s wars and interventions. As Abe presses ahead with risky neoliberal policies, Japan moves closer to a new emergency-power state. Only a mobilized Japanese people, advocating progressive agendas and committed to the spirit of the Constitution, will be able to prevent the LDP leaders from moving forward toward an abyss."
 
What kind of abyss? In international politics, conventional wisdom curiously converges, unfortunately...