In this modelthe EastAsiacontinentis limitedinatrapezoid geologicalframe and the continentallithosphereisregard asa continuum thin plate with apowerlawrheology.
It thereby committed itself to sharing power and revenue with foes who are hardly angels themselves, and to a democratic transition that could yet prove amodel for the continent.
Benedict has made it clear that he sees this devout Catholic nation, with its new church-friendly government, as amodel for the rest of the continent to build a society based on Christian values.