| bibo:abstract |
Bilateral Dimensions of Major Power Relations in Northeast Asia
Kook-Chin Kim
Conclusion
Academicians and theorists of international relations count the U.S., Japan, China,
Russia and the European Union as the protagonists of the next century. Apart from the
EU, the interests of all the other powers, commonly referred to in Korea as "four
powers," directly converge in the Korean peninsula. This places Northeast Asia and
Korea at the epicenter of the Asia-Pacific security.
Korea's growing power and geopolitical importance makes its role in this region
significant. In other words, Korea's policy options will have increasing weight and
importance. Pyongyang's failure to adapt to the changing international order, as
evidenced by its nuclear question, constitutes a serious problem to the Republic of
Korea and to the world. The ultimate solution can come with the unification of the
Korean peninsula.
To facilitate the unification process as well as to prepare beyond unification, Korea will
focus its diplomatic efforts on helping North Korea become a participant in the world
and regional order. By removing the legacy of the Cold War, Korea will also be
contributing to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific.
As part of this strategy also, Korea will endeavor to promote regional multilateral
mechanisms. The pursuit of multilateral security in Northeast Asia, promotion of APEC,
and institutional linkage with NAFTA, thus connecting it with East Asia, are some of
these policy options.
Korea is now striving to "internationalize" its own society. Regional cooperation can be
the first step to the internationalization of Korea. It is also a short-cut. Much of it can
be realized in the context of the Korea-U.S. relationship. In Korea, Westerners have
been commonly called "miguk saram" (Americans), while in Japan they are called
"gaijin" (foreigners).
In this respect, internationalization of Korea means harmony not only between East and
West, but, as important, also between Korea and the United States. Korea will serve as a medium in geographical as well as cultural aspects. Korea intends to play the bridging
role between the East and the West, China and Japan, and between the United States on
the one hand and each of the major East Asian powers on the other.
Korea has a historic task as a country situated at the epicenter of the Asia-Pacific
security. And by answering this call, Korea shall expand the scope of its diplomacy and
greet the 21st century of hope and prosperity. In this endeavor, Korea-U.S. partnership
is an indispensable element.
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