Search

Due to energy, economic, and strategic concerns, the African Continent has been attracting significant attention from the rest of the world. Countries in Asia are no exception to this growing tendency. Although there has been much discussion and analysis about such large Asian powers as China, India, and Japan's relationships with Africa, an analysis on South Korea, a medium power's, interactions with the African Continent has been absent. Like its neighbors, Seoul has been actively engaging with the Continent for various reasons, and their activities will only grow and be intensified. The paper seeks to analyze South Korea's economic, energy, and strategic relationships with Africa. First, it will provide a brief historical background. Then it will analyze the reasons behind Seoul's recent attention to the Continent. Evaluations of different issue areas will be followed. The paper will conclude with policy implications on Seoul's role in Africa in particular and a medium power's foreign policy in general. This study will contribute to the development of medium power foreign policy theory as well as the improvement of the relationships between South Korea and countries in Africa. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the amazing speed and scope of rapprochement between South Korea and China, there have been serious debates among academics and policy-makers about the future of South Korea's security options in the region. While South Korea's relationships with the long-time ally the US has been gradually deteriorating, South Korea has been getting closer with China in every aspect. Whether South Korea will remain "anchored" by the current alliance structure with the US or "drift" toward China is yet to be seen. Given the geopolitical location of the Korean Peninsula and the small size and capability of South Korea, the South Korean government is, and continually will be, in inevitable dilemma between the two giants. While many view this conundrum as a question of South Korea's choice between the two major powers in the region, I argue that this zero-sum approach is not only incorrect but also dangerous in the real world when applied. Although South Korea's hope being a more assertive and independent nation about security affaris surrounding them is not likely fulfilled in any time soon, South Korea does have a strategic choice and ability to be involved in these matters not being sided with either one and give benefits to every party. I will focus on the North Korea's nuclear threat and argue that to solve the problem peacefully, South Korea's role is the most vital. I will develop my argument through data gathered in South Korea including interviews with responsible individuals. Hopefully, this paper, which emphasizes the significant role of South Korea, which is located in the global South with limited resources and opportunities, will narrow the gap between North and South not only in policy areas but also in the theory field as well. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]