Korean Journal of Defense Analysis 

About: Korean Journal of Defense Analysis is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): China & East Asia. It has an ISSN identifier of 1016-3271. Over the lifetime, 573 publications have been published receiving 1790 citations.

A Theory of Soft Power and Korea’s Soft Power Strategy

Abstract: This paper suggests a new definition of soft power by making a distinction between hard resources and soft resources, rather than by differentiating between coercive power and cooptive power as Joseph Nye did. When non-material symbolic “soft resources” are employed to exert influence on others, the final outcome is regarded as soft power, while the final outcome is defined as hard power when material “hard resources” are employed. Therefore, within this definition, soft power can be both cooptive and coercive, and so can hard power. This new definition is useful for countries that are considered to be middle powers which are limited in terms of hard resources, but have the potential to develop soft resources. This paper also categorizes five different types of soft power in accordance with specific soft power goals. They are (1) soft power to improve the external security environment by projecting peaceful and attractive images of a country; (2) soft power to mobilize other countries’ support fo...

Lee Myung-bak's foreign policy: a 250-day assessment

Abstract: Since his inauguration in February 2008, Lee Myung-bak has pursued a “pragmatic” foreign policy based on strengthening relationships with key regional powers and promoting conditional engagement with North Korea, while also enhancing South Korea's role in the international community. But Lee's foreign policy initiatives have thus far been stymied by a combination of internal and external obstacles. South Korea's capacity to effectively manage relations with regional powers, engage with North Korea, and meet its global commitments will depend on how the Lee administration applies its new foreign policy agenda in practical terms. This article assesses Lee Myung-bak's foreign policy performance in the first nine months since his inauguration, based on a critical review of his initial steps in relations with the United States, Japan, and China, and recent developments in inter-Korean relations. In addition, it considers Lee Myung bak's efforts to design a global strategy for South Korea including Lee...

UNCLOS and Its Limitations as the Foundation for a Regional Maritime Security Regime

Abstract: The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the foundation for an effective regional maritime security regime. However, this large and complex Convention is not without its limitations. There are many examples of apparent non-compliance with its norms and principles, and the United States, as a key player in regional maritime security, is not a party to it. The root causes of problems in East Asia lie in basic conflicts of interest between regional countries on law of the sea issues, the “built-in” ambiguity of UNCLOS in several of its key regimes, and the geographical complexity of the region. This paper discusses key limitations of UNCLOS; particularly the use of territorial sea baselines, navigational regimes, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and some other issues covered by the Convention, such as piracy, hot pursuit and the responsibilities of flag states. The paper concludes that uncertainty in the law of the sea may grow and that state practice in East Asia, under the in...

From a buffer zone to a strategic burden: evolving Sino-North Korea relations during the Hu Jintao era

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to understand China's changing strategic views on North Korea during Hu Jintao's era and to consider the implications for South Korea's policies toward North Korea and China Sino-North Korea cooperation can be theoretically explained by the alliance transition theory, a modified one from the political realist perspective The implications of the alliance transition theory are that China would strengthen its alliance with North Korea, seek to weaken the South Korea–US alliance, and induce South Korea to cooperate with China, while preventing North Korea from getting close to the United States However, it is noteworthy that even in China, there exist various groups of strategic thinking in international relations on China's roles in North Korean issues North Korea's incessant provocations have effects on mobilizing the Developing Country Diplomacy School as well as the Rising Great Power Diplomacy School against North Korea Such incidences would soon reverse the

Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ostensibly a connectivity and developmental program, was launched by the Chinese President Xi Jinping with the primary objective of connecting the common people in Asia through trade, infrastructure and culture. The initiative is designed to enhance connectivity in areas such as trade, infrastructure, investment, capital and people. That said, since its inception, the project seems to confront certain hurdles such as regional geopolitical complexities and launching of other alternative proposals that tend to hamper its progress. As part of the BRI, the BCIM-EC proposes to connect eastern China with South Asia that will also ultimately connect Southeast Asia through different modes for better economic and cultural connectivity. This paper attempts to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of the BCIM-EC project in the context of South and Southeast Asian nations. The paper concludes that the challenges are rather overriding.