The Middle Power Diplomacy of South Korea: Four Strategic Choices vis-à-vis Japan and China

This chapter examines the determinants of South Korean foreign policy and outlines its prospects. Due to South Korea’s geographical location, it has historically been a battleground between land and sea powers. Japan, the closest sea power, and China, the closest land power, have had the most significant influence. Additionally, although the United States is not geographically adjacent, it has had a special impact on South Korea by forming the liberal democratic camp that includes Japan. Similarly, Russia has had an influence on South Korea, although it has played a much smaller role. With its economy growing and democratization advancing, South Korea’s presidents have placed a greater emphasis on projecting the country’s self-image as an autonomous, middle-power nation. Specifically, a four-type approach has been observed: tilting, hedging, balancing, and status quo, depending on the level of foreign policy proactivity and independence exhibited. Success from these strategies has provided temporary stability and peace, but when the balance of power has been disrupted, there has been an increase in uncertainty, if not a definite crisis. South Korea’s geopolitical conditions and path-dependent choices will continue to influence its foreign policy, creating a dynamic and multidimensional relationship with the elephants whose shadow South Korea may or may not eventually move beyond.