In this timely study, international scholars provide an in-depth exploration of the forces shaping the balance of power in the international political arena. The contributors examine the changing relationship between economic, military, and political bases of power as they define national security. Also detailed are U.S. hegemony and its subsequent decline as well as the rise of Japan as a world economic power. The capacity of Japan to play a leading role is examined as it, too, tries to adjust to a changed world.