As the global political landscape is becoming increasingly polarised and the global community battles natural, humanitarian, and social crises, the world is turning towards a new kind of multilateral cooperation and leadership. Middle powers are repositioning themselves to become pivot states – states that stand in between superpowers and are desired as allies due to their military, economic, technological, or intellectual advantage.
South Korea can be considered the quintessential ‘Middle Power’ of today, with a great window of opportunity to advance through its ‘niche diplomacy’ and become an influential pivot state while addressing pressing global issues. Due to its strategic geopolitical location in proximity to North Korea, China, and Japan and its alliance with the US, it is in a position to foster global peace and understanding. Technology was a driving force of South Korea’s remarkable socioeconomic development in the 1980s, and the nation remains a technological leader in AI, 5G networks, and green technology. As one of the world’s largest semiconductor suppliers, South Korea can also support sustainable development, stabilise global supply chains and trade, and advocate for climate action. With its experience in refugee crisis management, public health innovations as seen during COVID-19, a top educational system, and strong cultural diplomacy, South Korea has the potential to promote multicultural understanding and global citizenship; especially given its recent activities in The United Nations, the OECD, and the World Economic Forum.
However, South Korea also faces significant challenges that jeopardise its leadership potential. Divided since the end of the Second World War, the security threat posed by North Korea continues to loom over the country. With the lowest birth and replacement rate in the world, an ageing population, a skewed work-life balance, a highly demanding education system, and one of the highest suicide rates in the world, its society’s well-being is severely threatened as well. Political and social unrest are also plaguing this relatively recently transitioned democracy, and gender inequality remains one of the most significant social issues.
In light of the transitioning global landscape and with South Korea’s unique background in mind, what kind of leadership does the world need, and what would Korean leadership look like? The panel will discuss South Korea's potential role amidst great power contestation and global crises, and how it can turn its own domestic challenges into opportunities.
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