Japan's notorious crime syndicates, the yakuza, have been historically entrenched as extra-legal governors with significant control over areas and markets, but now confront a challenging era. Stringent anti-yakuza regulations, evolving market landscapes, and changing public attitudes have collectively precipitated a decline in their membership base and influence. Amidst these shifts, emergent actors like the 'hangure' and new practices such as 'yamibaito' are allegedly gaining prominence, as highlighted by media and law enforcement narratives.

The world is in crisis. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 has signified a military challenge of a resurgent Russia to the existing international order in the 21st century. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023, has further jeopardized international peace and stability in the international order. However, in the eyes of US policymakers, China was still seen as 'America’s most consequential geopolitical challenge' in the 21st century. Strategic competition between the United States and China has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic.