It was one thing to contain the Soviet Union in Europe because Britain, France, and Germany were all willing to join in. But will Japan and other Asian countries be willing to join in the containment of China?

There will be associations and partnerships between some Muslim countries and some Christian countries. Those already exist. And they may shift as different regimes come and go and interests change.

I don't say that the West is united, I don't suggest that.

In the emerging world of ethnic conflict and civilizational clash, Western belief in the universality of Western culture suffers three problems: it is false; it is immoral; and it is dangerous.

As far as ideology or political beliefs are concerned, countries are very different.

Quite obviously power will continue to play a central role in global politics as it always does. But usually there is something else.

Power remains strong when it remains in the dark; exposed to the sunlight it begins to evaporate.