tinuation of the Western alliance. In fact, there are specific threats to both Europe and Japan which confirm this need. Western Europe, for example, has security interests which are based on the existence of unstable Third World neighbors in the south. Western Europe is also faced with a potential threat resulting from the recent changes in Eastern Europe. In this regard, it has been warned that "the situation in Eastern Europe could become politically explosive as those economically weak nations move toward greater national assertiveness." The United States, in turn, continues to take a specific interest in the security of Western Europe. For example, despite the recent decline in Soviet military influence, the U.S. still feels the need to protect democratic values in the region. Perhaps the strongest bonds between the United States and Western Europe are those which are economic and cultural. The economic value of a unified Europe is another reason for continued U.S. interest in defending the region. In the Pacific, the security of Japan is primarily dependent upon a continued U.S. presence. The threat of a remilitarized Japan has made this need all the more acute.
The United States takes an interest in Japan's security for reasons which are similar to those found in the Western European alliance. Thus, just as economic factors are central in the U.S./Western Europe connection, the ongoing concern with Japan's defense is based on the perceived economic strength of that nation. In fact, the most likely future trend for the Western alliance as a whole will be the development of an economic coalition. This economic bond will be designed for the purpose of facing the unique challenges of the new multipolar world. As such, it will provide a sharp contrast to the military defense model which existed during the period dominated by bipolar confrontation issues.
It may be noted, however, that the considerations underly...