Abstract
The return of Jews to the land of Israel is a singular historical event which has failed to legitimate the State of Israel, at least in the view of its neighbouring countries. The need for two states, one Israeli, the other Palestinian must be stressed as the means to build coexistence between the two populations. Because of their responsibilities and historical approach, European states can and must play a role in this process.

Avraham B. YEHOSHUA, an israeli novelist and essayist traduced worldwide, is one of the foundators of the 'Peace Now' movement. His last book traduced into French is Un feu amical (Paris, Calmann-Lévy, 2008).

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Abstract
Even though Chinese growth makes inequalities deeper, does it create the conditions for a middle class to emerge and flatten out inequalities? Or do inequalities stem from rigidities imbedded in the regime itself? Could the unchanging nature of the regime lead in the long run to an implosion? Despite contradictory signals from its leaders, the Chinese society reacts to the most urgent questions: environment problems, expropriations, worker's protection and especially migrant workers, which is one of the main problems.

Hélène LE BAIL, a specialist on social and political issues in China and migration issues in Asia, is a researcher at Ifri (Asia Center). She holds a Ph.D in political science as well as a master degree from the Institut national des Langues et Civilisations orientales (INALCO), and she specializes in research of the Japanese-Taiwanese relations and Chinese migration.

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Abstract
After the parliamentary and Presidential elections, held respectively in January and March 2008, the Guomindang is back in power. Its success is due to a discourse defending the Taiwanese identity, as it was also promoted by the previous majority. The new president could see his room for manoeuvre limited by the "old guard" in the Guomindang, as well as by Beijing's reluctance to give significant signals in favour of the coexistence of both entities.

Tanguy LE PESANT is an assistant professor at the National Central University (Taiwan).

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Abstract
The Chinese economy's increase in power is without a doubt the most important event in the two last decades. However, China is not yet the giant that some people claim it to be. On account of some of its characteristics, one can wonder whether China's growth is sustainable or not. Furthermore, China does not yet seem to be able to substitute for the US as the world's economic driver.

Françoise NICOLAS is a researcher at Ifri (economic studies and Asia Center) and an assistant professor at the University of Paris-Est (Marne-la-Vallée).

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Abstract
Beijing intends to seize the opportunity of hosting the Olympic Games in order to show that it has restored its position as a world power. While the Olympic Games will be the occasion of major urban and technological investments, they will also pose several problems, some of which relate to the environment. Globally, the Games may shed some light on the contradictions between the international community, which is longing for China's political opening, and the Chinese regime, which wishes to confirm its stability beyond these events.

Valérie NIQUET is director of the Asia Center, Ifri

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Abstract
In reaction to the repression of the Tiananmen uprising by the People's Liberation Army in June 1989, the European Union adopted sanctions against the People's Republic of China. The embargo is an irritant to the relations between the European Union and China and continues to divide the European Union. For Beijing, this is an anachronistic legacy of the Cold War; it pressures the European Union to abandon it. Though eager to build a genuine strategic partnership with China, the latter should remain cautious. If the embargo were suppressed, it would indeed go against its basic principles as well as its deepest interests.

Mathieu REMOND is a graduate of several institutions, including University of Warwick, London School of Economics, College of Europe and Beijing Foreign Studies University. Has worked particularly for the European Commission Delegation to China and Mongolia as well as for the WTO Secretariat.

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Abstract

Colonial heritage explains why Pakistan's political practices after partition have been so different from those of the Indian Union. Even though the military is omnipresent, it does not always oppose democratisation, as Western countries believe. It is Islamization and the consequences of the Afghan wars which are Pakistani's current major problems. As it has just been shown in the case of the last parliamentary elections, Pakistan still has some democratic resilience.

Gilbert ÉTIENNE is honorary professor of economy of developement at the Institut universitaire de hautes études internationales and the Institut d'études du développement (Geneva). He has written, among other works: Chine-Inde. La grande compétition (Paris, Dunod, 2007).

Abstract

Afghanistan currently consists of fragmented spaces, made up of active urban centres and stagnating peripheries where a predatory economy prevails under the protection of local authorities. This explains its heterogeneity. Under these conditions, stabilization can only be achieved by local, diversified actions; on the contrary, an ideological rhetoric and centralizing practices by the government may prove definitively helpless.

Sébastien PENNES, former collaborator of various non-governmental organizations, notably in Afghanistan, works in the Political Affaires sector at the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) since October 2005. From the North-East to Hazarajat (middle-land) and to the Great Paktya (South-Esat), he has always lived in the rural outskirts of the country.

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Abstract

The United States' involvement of Pakistan in the Afghan war has proved destabilising for Pakistan, due to the demographic composition of its population as well as its army. As this war goes on, it continues to threaten the regime and to remove its legitimacy. The only solution now could be that Pakistan withdraws from the Afghan conflict, on the basis of an agreement among the Afghan parties thus hinting at the end of NATO involvement.

Prem SHANKAR JHA, former advisor to the Prime Minister V.P. Singh and news editor of the Hindustan Times, is a journalist. Among his last publications : The Twilight of the Nation State: Globalisation, Chaos and War (London, Pluto Press, 2006).

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Abstract

While the Single European Market allows full mobility of capital and workers, fiscal policies remain in the hands of national authorities on account of the subsidiary principle. Fiscal competition among EU members may thus produce many harmful effects. To avert them, fiscal policies could be either harmonized or coordinated. It is the latter that has been favoured by the European Commission.

Amélie BARBIER-GAUCHARD, Ph.D in economy, is assistant professor at the Faculté des Sciences économiques et de gestion de l'Université Louis Pasteur (Strasbourg 1) and scientific advisor at the Centre d'analyse stratégique. She works mainly on the macroeconomic aspects of european integration and more specifically on european public finance.

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Abstract

The "comeback" of France to the European Union has long been awaited by Germany. The role played by Nicolas Sarkozy in the final negotiations about the Lisbon Treaty seemed a good omen. But for Berlin, some doubts remain: does Paris intend to be a reliable partner, or will it be a "free rider"? There are also some unanswered questions left: will France finally undertake the much needed economic reforms? Will it accept that its project for the Mediterranean countries fully adhere to the European Union approach?

Claire DEMESMAY is a researcher at the Comité d'études des relations franco-allemandes (Ifri, France) and head of the research project 'La France et l'Allemagne face aux crises européennes' (France and Germany facing european crises) in association with the Zentrum für Europaïsche Integrationsforschung (Bonn).

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Abstract

While it can't be denied that nationalism is on the rise in Japan, this phenomenon should be fully understood. However, Japanese people do not support the nationalist discourse that politicians put forward to legitimate the reform of the post-war system and to promote Japan on the international scene. Furthermore, the nationalist stance consists of variegated opinions about strategic choices for Japan's future. Promoted by the government, the current Japanese nationalism was nurtured by the crisis of the 1990s and the need to cope with the new international paradigm after the cold war.

Céline PAJON is assistant researcher at the Asia Center of the Ifri, specialized on Japan and international relations in North-East Asia. Among her last publications : 'Japon : une affirmation diplomatique progressive depuis 1945', Questions internationales, n° 30, march-april 2008 (in collaboration with V. Niquet).

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Abstract

During its presidency of the EU, France has set to itself an ambitious programme. Beyond its announced priorities, (ESPD, immigration, energy issues, the reform of common European policies), Paris will have to implement the Lisbon Treaty, which has just been ratified. This can only be achieved by numerous partnerships, especially with Germany. Germany's experience when it held the EU presidency offers France many useful lessons.

Daniela SCHWARZER is a researcher on european issues at the German Institute of International Affairs and Security (Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, SWP) of Berlin and co-editor of the website Eurozone Watch. From 1994 to 2004 she has been the leader writer and correspondant in Paris for the Financial Times Deutschland.

Abstract

The relationship between France and NATO can be regarded in respect to the heritage of the past, especially since the decisions taken in 1966 and in regard to current problems. Since the 1990s, France has been involved in NATO military operations and getting effectively closer to NATO. Is that enough to make the case for 'normalisation'? Would the latter be able to relaunch the ESDP, which is in a deadlock? What weight could France carry in an Alliance whose content is not clearly defined yet?

Dominique DAVID is the executive director of the Ifri.

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Abstract

Outstanding current account surpluses in emerging countries have deeply modified the distribution of reserves around the world, as they currently hold 3/4 of the world reserves. Even though this is a vital advantage for these countries, they do not have unlimited room for manoeuvre as they are net importers of private capital. In any case, the international monetary system will have to adjust to these new conditions, at least by accepting a new redistribution of power among countries.

Jacques de LAROSIERE, former director of the French Treasury and former managing director of the International Monetary Fund, is a member of the Académie des sciences morales et politiques.