GEOINT and Asia - Essay Example

GEOINT and Asia
The conflict between the Western region and the Asian world is one that dates back to many years ago. The differences between the two regions are brought about by various issues. Key among them is civilization. The civilizations between the two geographical regions are differentiated by factors such as language, history, tradition, culture as well as religion. Religion is particularly considered critical because it shapes various views (Doyle, 2009). When different regions see their identity in religious and ethnic terms, they see a “them” versus “us” relation between regions having other religious affiliations and themselves. Such views include the state and its citizens, children and their parents, husband and wife, liberty and authority, hierarchy and equality as well as rights and responsibilities. These differences have existed for centuries and have at times threatened world peace (Fawn, 1999).
The two regions also have a lot of differences regarding political ideologies as well as political regimes. These differences could be attributed to the increased levels of awareness between these civilizations since this intensifies civilization consciousness. More and more people migrating from the Asian region receive increased receptivity and hostility from the Western world. Studies reveal that the Western world reacts more negatively to Asian investment in their countries than from other regions. When people from the two regions interact, their civilization consciousness is enhanced, which further invigorates the animosities and differences, thus explaining why it stretches such a long way back in history (Huntington, 1997).
The increasing economic regionalism can also be attributed to the differences between the two regions. Most countries in the Western world prefer intraregional trade between themselves and this only enhances economic regionalism. This reinforces Western Christianity as well as European culture in all aspects of trade, therefore isolating the Asian region because of its unique civilization. In this case, cultural differences between the two regions will hinder their economic integration (Doyle, 2009).
Other issues causing differences between the Western world and the Asian region range from immigration to human rights and the environment in general. The clash of these two civilizations could be said to be occurring at the macro level. This means that they compete for economic power as well as relative military (Fawn, 1999). They also want to control third parties and international institutions, in the process promoting their religious and political values. The economic development of Asian societies has intensified conflicts between it and the West because their military capability has expanded as a result of this.
Chinese immigration, which was rampant in the nineteenth century, was widely opposed by many people in the Western world. The proliferation of racially motivated violence and racist rhetoric proves that Chinese immigrants underwent constant conflict. Given the fact that the world is becoming an even smaller place, civilization-consciousness has enhanced interactions, meaning that Asian society is becoming increasingly aware of its ability to match the West in terms of economic growth (Huntington, 1997). Concepts such as “Asianization” are becoming more common, and this does not go well with the Western world, thereby causing conflicts. The Asian society wants to shape the world in a way that is non-western because it has the will, desire, and resources to do so.
Spreading democracy to other regions could help counter the problem which has been in existence for years. Spreading liberal democracy will go a long way in promoting world peace. Economic development will also be fostered which will benefit the citizens of all the countries that are involved. This is because democratization will expand economic interests as well as improve the security of those countries (Doyle, 2009). Read More