Ch 5 — Victory Without War

Japan exemplifies the boundless possibilities within God’s creation. Here, a defeated nation can surpass its conqueror without resorting to conflict or confrontation.

In 1945, the United States celebrated its victory over Japan. Today, the once-defeated Japan is achieving victory over America itself. Initially, this victory was in economic terms, but it has since extended to other areas as well. The United States is now the largest debtor nation, with an external debt of $ 400 billion. In contrast, Japan is the largest creditor nation, having lent $ 240 billion to the world.

Nowadays, numerous books and articles in the United States highlight how America is rapidly declining while Japan is on a fast track to progress. One such book is titled The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Professor Paul Kennedy.

After reading the mentioned Time issue, many readers sent letters in response. Some of these letters were published in the subsequent issue on July 25, 1988. One of the letters was from Brian Mirsky of Princeton. In his brief note, he wrote that the article on Japan’s economic success made it clear that although America won the war, Japan won the peace:

“Your article on Japan’s economic success makes it obvious that although the U.S. won the war, Japan won the peace.”

This example of Japan demonstrates how vast the realm of possibilities is in the world created by God. Here, a defeated nation can prevail over its conqueror without ever engaging in conflict or confrontation with it.