Premium
The Added Value of Partnership with NATO for S outh K orean Security
Author(s) -
Ko Sangtu,
Park Seongyong
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
pacific focus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.172
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1976-5118
pISSN - 1225-4657
DOI - 10.1111/pafo.12033
Subject(s) - general partnership , peacekeeping , political science , alliance , international security , diplomacy , cold war , international trade , public administration , politics , law , economics
Although NATO was originally created to address regional security concerns, since the end of the Cold War it has expanded its role and partnership to take on new security challenges. In this article, we examine what security gains S outh K orea could expect to achieve from engaging in NATO 's global partnership security cooperation framework. Our analysis focuses on the possible benefits of security cooperation between the two partners at three different geographic levels, namely, the K orean P eninsula, Northeast A sia, and the global arena. We conclude that S outh K orea could draw security gains from cooperation with NATO at all three levels. First, partnership with NATO is likely to contribute to peace on the K orean Peninsula. In particular, NATO could participate in post‐Six‐Party Talks, which have failed to solve the N orth K orean nuclear problem. NATO would also be able to engage in humanitarian intervention if a crisis arose in N orth K orea. Second, NATO could contribute to peace in Northeast Asia . Security tensions in the region are currently increasing, as C hina is pursuing an assertive form of diplomacy while J apan is seeking to actively engage in military conflicts abroad. NATO could also provide support for the United States , which is having difficulty deterring these regional powers. Third, S outh K orea could cooperate with NATO in peacekeeping operations at a global level. Cooperation with NATO would enhance the effectiveness of S outh K orea's peacekeeping operations.