The Fiscal Problems Binding Obama's Second Term

Published in Nikkei
(Japan) on 23 January 2013
by (link to originallink to original)
Translated from by Stephanie Chiu. Edited by Molly Rusk.
President Obama has entered his second term in office. Considering the polarization of the American government, the unstable economic and financial situation, the increasing instability of international circumstances and more, the future looks grim. Even if the superpower is declining, however, it is vital that they maintain a presence for the sake of world peace and prosperity. As an ally, Japan also wishes to work hand-in-hand in order to achieve this goal.

“For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it,” the president said at his inauguration ceremony. This marks his decision to press forward with the goal of mending social disparity through tax increases on the wealthy and other such methods.

The more strongly liberal policies he initiates, the more chaotic the government will become. Considering that the “fiscal cliff” has been pushed back two months, if the federal debt ceiling isn’t raised, then there will also be fear that part of the government body will be forced to shut down.

A second term president who doesn’t need to worry about the next election tends to be idealistic. Knowing full well that America has to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the world economy, I would like the president to take a realistic approach in problem solving without aimlessly antagonizing the Republican Party, which holds majority in the House of Representatives.

Fiscal problems have tied Obama’s hands diplomatically as well: “the American people can no more meet the demands of today’s world by acting alone.” The inward-facing attitude America will take to avoid participating in international disputes was made clear at the inauguration speech. Drastic cuts in the national defense budget are unavoidable.

The president also stated that “America will remain the anchor of strong alliances in every corner of the globe.” In anticipation of China’s rising power, it seems there will be continued emphasis on diplomatic security strategies in the Pacific Ocean. However, if American involvement in that area loses steam because of fiscal problems, it is likely that China’s military expansion will accelerate to point that it harms stability in the region. The tension surrounding the Korean peninsula will continue to exist.

To Japan, which relies on American forces to keep peace in the country, this is a dangerous situation. However, no matter how anxious we are, it can’t be helped. It is important that Japan consults with America about how to deal with China, proactively assumes the burden of American forces and helps sustain involvement in Asia.

There is a lot we can accomplish even within the limits of existing laws. Surveying the coastal waters of Japan and collecting information are just some examples of what we can do. Additionally, the government should hurry to consider how we can collectively use our right of self-defense.


2期目オバマ氏を縛る財政難



 オバマ米大統領の任期が2期目に入った。米政治の二極化、不安定な経済・金融、流動化する国際情勢など先行きは険しさが予想される。超大国衰えたりとはいえ、世界の平和と繁栄にその存在感は欠かせない。日本も同盟国として手を携えて取り組みたい。

 「一握りの人々だけが豊かさを享受する状況で我が国の成功はあり得ない」。就任式で大統領はこう訴えた。格差是正へ富裕層増税などを推し進める決意だ。

 こうしたリベラル色の濃い政策を打ち出せば打ち出すほど政治の混迷は深まる。「財政の崖」は2カ月先送りされただけだし、連邦債務上限の引き上げが実現しなければ政府機関の一部閉鎖に追い込まれるおそれもある。

 次の選挙を気にしなくてよい2期目の大統領は理想論に走りがちだ。米国が担う世界経済への重責をよくわきまえ、米下院の多数を占める共和党といたずらに対立することなく、課題解決重視の現実的な路線を歩んでもらいたい。

 財政難はオバマ外交の手足も縛る。「米国が世界の要求に単独で応えることはできない」。就任式演説では国際紛争への関与を避ける内向き姿勢を鮮明にした。国防予算の大幅削減は避けられない。

 大統領は「あらゆる地域で強力な同盟の錨(いかり)であり続ける」とも述べた。中国の台頭をにらみ、アジア太平洋重視の外交・安保戦略は変わらない見込みだ。

 だが、財政難からその関与が息切れすれば、中国の軍拡が加速するこの地域の安定を損ないかねない。朝鮮半島をめぐる情勢も緊張が続いている。

 国の安全を米軍に頼ってきた日本には危うい状況だが、ただ不安がっても仕方ない。日米で対中戦略を擦り合わせ、積極的に米軍の負担を肩代わりし、アジア関与を支えていく努力が必要だ。

 現行法の枠内でも、できることは多い。日本近海での警戒・監視や情報収集の活動などはその一例である。集団的自衛権行使に向けた政府内の検討も急ぐべきだ。
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