Pro: The Conflict Between Japan And The West Could ✓ Solved

Pro The Conflict Between Japan And The West Could

The conflict between Japan and the West was arguably inevitable due to the historical trajectories and strategic interests of both parties. The roots of this discord can be traced back to Japan’s rapid transformation during the Meiji era, which marked the beginning of its assertive push towards modernization and expansion. As Japan industrialized swiftly, its military capabilities expanded in tandem, fostering ambitions of regional dominance. This burgeoning power felt increasingly constrained by the existing Western-controlled global order, which prompted Japan to pursue aggressive expansionist policies to secure resources and influence. The desire to emulate Western powers’ imperial reach propelled Japan to challenge the status quo, leading to inevitable clashes (Mauch & Vann, 2014).

Furthermore, the political veneer of democracy during the Taisho era, exemplified by Shidehara Diplomacy, masked underlying ambitions that sought regional supremacy. Japan was never genuinely content with maintaining equilibrium within East Asia; instead, it harbored a persistent desire for regional dominance. Rising powers historically challenge the existing international order, and Japan’s case was no exception. Its ambitions were driven by deep-rooted nationalistic sentiments and strategic calculations, making conflict an almost predetermined outcome once Japan’s power became significant enough (Holloway, 2014). Such pursuits of expansion created inevitable tensions with Western powers, who preferred to maintain the existing balance of power and prevent any single nation from gaining too much influence.

Western responses to Japan’s aggressive stance further cemented the conflict, as Western nations felt compelled to adopt policies of containment and force to preserve the global status quo. These powers aimed to curb Japanese expansionism, which threatened their strategic interests in the region. Given the divergence in objectives—Japan’s territorial ambitions versus Western efforts to maintain stability—conflict became unavoidable. The nature of international relations at the time made compromise difficult, particularly when territorial integrity and national sovereignty were at stake (Onishi, 2014). In this context, the conflict was not only inevitable but also rational from both sides’ perspectives, given their respective interests and threat perceptions.

References

• Holloway, J. P. (2014). The Roots of Japanese Expansionism, 1931–1941. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Mauch, J., & Vann, T. (2014). The Rise of Japan and Its Implications for Asia. Routledge.
• Onishi, N. (2014). The Geopolitical Tensions in East Asia. Harvard University Press.