US-China Rivalry in Multilateral Regional Security and Korea’s Strategic Choice: A Lesson from ‘ASEAN Centrality (2017.05)
2017.05.01
- Authors : Shin-wha Lee and Yangho Rhee
- Journal : Discourse 201
- Publisher : The Korean Association Socio-Historical Studies
- Volume : 20(2)
- Publication Date : May, 2017
- Abstract : Over the past decades, much scholarly and policy efforts have been made in order to seek the means of advancing and institutionalizing multilateral regional security cooperation in Northeast Asia. Yet, the region still lacks in a formal regional security cooperation entity. This paper intends not to discuss the widely-discussed achievements and limits of developing such an entity. Instead, the paper examines the background, processes, and impacts of the US-China rivalry in the field of multilateral regional security, both at the regional and global levels. Through this examination, the paper discusses how relatively weaker states in the region, including Korea, have been influenced by great powers` competition over multilateralism and what these small and middle powers could and should do to maintain their own leverage. Taking a lesson from ASEAN, which has developed its regional identity and influences through its `collective voices,` the paper argues that while Korea maintains a strong bilateral security alliance with the US, it should develop bi-multilateral mechanisms, minilateral cooperation systems, and other various multilateral approaches to effectively deal with regional security threats. Given limited national capacities compared to those of regional great powers, it would be wiser for Korea to focus on taking initiatives in the areas of soft power when pursuing multilateral security initiatives. However, such diplomatic efforts could be frustrated depending upon great power politics and changing geopolitical situations. Therefore, Korea should strengthen its comprehensive national power that incorporates military, economic, cultural, and other national merits.