South Korea's Multilateral Security Cooperation in Northeast Asia : Navigating the Strategic Rivalry between China and the U.S.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examines South Korea's multilateral security cooperation policy under five administrations in Northeast Asia, focusing on its evolution, achievements, and limitations amid the intensifying China-U.S. strategic rivalry. Continuity factors include the U.S.-ROK alliance, prioritization of the North Korean nuclear issue, and engagement with major powers, which have provided a stable framework but constrained flexibility and innovation. Discontinuities reflect each administration's unique responses to shifting geopolitical contexts. The Kim Dae-Jung and Lee Myung-Bak administrations demonstrate how inter-Korean relations directly led to the interruption of multilateral cooperation. The Roh Moo-Hyun administration adopted a mediating role within regional frameworks, the Park Geun-Hye administration prioritized non-traditional security issues, and the Moon Jae-In administration expanded diplomatic outreach to ASEAN and Eurasian countries. This study further evaluates recent trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan as mini-multilateralism, analyzing it through the lens of continuity and discontinuity. While this approach enhances strategic flexibility, it highlights limitations in inclusivity and institutionalization. The study concludes that overcoming these challenges with a more comprehensive and institutionalized strategy is vital for sustainable regional stability and security. Key words Multilateralism, Mini-multilateralism, Multilateral security cooperation, Northeast Asia

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Acknowledgment ii
• Abstract iii
• 1. Introduction 1
• 1) Background of the Study 1
• 2) Objective of the Study 4
• 3) Scope of the Study 4
• 2. Security Environment in Northeast Asia 6
• 1) The Necessity of Multilateral Security Cooperation in Northeast Asia 6
• 2) China-U.S. Strategic Rivalry 14
• 3) The Emergence of Mini-Multilateralism 21
• 3. Historical Overview of South Korea’s Multilateral Security Cooperation Policy 27
• 1) The First Period: The Post-Cold War Era (1988-2001) 30
• 2) The Second Period: The Rise of China (2002-2012) 36
• 3) The Third Period: Strategic Rivalry (2013-Present) 46
• 4. Assessment and Implications 60
• 1) Assessment· 60
• 2) Implications 63
• 5. Conclusion 66
• References 68