Yul Sohn

Japan and South Korea: The Identity-Security-Economy Nexus in a Turbulent Relationship

This chapter explores how the complex dynamic mixture of identity conflicts, security cooperation, and economic interdependence is present under the Republic of Korea (ROK)-Japan relationship. It examines the ways in which identity conflicts led to negative spillovers or to a vicious cycle in security and economic affairs, and also explores how structural forces mitigate the vicious cycle from falling into a diplomatic crisis. My analysis finds that the complex dynamics of security-economic considerations have worked to mitigate the identity conflicts, forcing rivals to compromise with each other as well as to push back against one’s domestic constituency. Deteriorations have led to an apparent paradox of identity politics that invited countervailing forces toward amelioration of the bilateral tie.

The Role of South Korea in the Making of a Regional Trade Architecture: Convening, Bridging, and Designing FTA Networks

Recently, the concept of middle power diplomacy has drawn considerable attention in South Korea. Numerous works have been published and conferences held over the role of South Korea as a middle power in the changing international environment. This debate was provoked by a variety of theoretical and policy-related questions, largely related to the fundamental changes in the international system in general and the decline of US leadership in particular.