With more than a billion inhabitants India can no longer be ignored, and is looking outwards. It is true that at present its international impact and its power appear relatively feeble when compared with its neighbour China; however, India is stirring, its potential is becoming clearer, and its role is growing in the political, economic end even military spheres of world affairs. The world is changing, and India will contribute to this change.

Beijing has become very concerned about China’s energy dependency. Naturally, Latin America has become a tempting territory. Chinese capital investments in mining, agricultural and oil companies have increased in the last few years in South America. China is now one of the most important clients of Brazil, Argentina and Chile. But for the United States, China is now a threat.

A report on the conference organised by the Comité d’études de défense nationale (Committee for National Defence Studies) held on 1 July 2005. Japan is seeking to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and has had to bring its defence policy into line with that political objective. The alliance between Japan and the United States, based on a more equal partnership, and the rejection of nuclear deterrence remain constant themes. On the other hand, the review of the structure of its self-defence forces, and the acquisition of means that allow them to take on new missions overseas, seem to give Japan a new role.