Asia Politics – The Complexities of International Political Processes

The politics of Asia is one of the most complex relationships in the world. While there are many familiar faces, places and things to remember in the course of Asian politics, much less is known about what is going on in between these countries’ borders. As is to be expected of a large, largely unimportant landmass, the politics of Asia are also very diverse and layered. While there are many countries in Asia that can lay claim to political clout and influence over other countries, it is also true that there are many countries with little more than political influence and identity. While this can complicate the study of Asian political system and the politics of Asia, it also helps make sense of things.

For instance, while there are many claimants to the throne of China, India has long considered itself the larger and more influential country in the region. This is partly because it controls the largest population of the five countries that make up the South Asian area, yet it also wields enormous economic power. At the same time, China’s close proximity to Japan, one of the other South Asian countries, and the Philippines have created political and social bonds across the divide. In fact, China and Japan have actually been trading partners for decades. While smaller countries like Nepal have a limited impact on the overall politics and power structures of Asia, India has long relied upon the backing of other countries to get through to international audiences or maintain its hold over large chunks of its former colonies.

While it may be difficult to see the political complexities behind the curtain of Asia’s complex interactions, it is still possible to at least glimpse a bit into what the larger picture looks like. For example, even as China is arguably one of the most important players in global politics, it is also a country surrounded by many different nations. It has a massive regional military presence, but it also relies upon the support of other countries for trade and diplomatic backing. Understanding the effect that each country has had on the political development and direction of Asia-Pacific political systems can help people understand the bigger picture.