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In the present days, promoting economic development, cooperation and peace among nations have carried out by the global organizations. States are encouraged to work together by the institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in order to solve the global challenges. The country which actively participate in these organizations is South Korea which has developed from a poor country after Korean war into an important economic and political actor. The actions of South Korea in international institutions display how the contribution of a middle power can influence to the global cooperation and governance. This essay will address the importance of South Korea’s role in international institutions and analyzes the issue using international relations concepts and considers on the impact of its participation.
To reflect the role of South Korea in global organization, its commitment to international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy should observed. In the years following the Korean war, South Korea starts rebuilding its economy and strengthening its international relationships. In 1991, South Korea began an important step into the international community joining the United Nations officially (United Nations, 2023). Since then, the country has supported the UN activities participating the peacekeeping missions and humanitarian programs. For example, it provides troops and resources to peacekeeping agency in order to protect in regions experiencing conflict. According to this demonstration, South Korea is willing to take commitment for international stability and security.
Moreover, the role of South Korea in the world trade and economic cooperation is essential. As one of the world’s leading exporters of technology products such as automobiles and electronics, South Korea depends largely on international trade. Its participation in the world Trade Organization helps ensure that not only global trade rules are fair and reliable but also trade disputes can be solved peacefully without affecting the stable economic relationships through the WTO (World Trade Organization, 2023). It is obvious that its commitment to the WTO supply economic growth for both itself and other countries that trade with it.
In addition, South Korea also plays a key role in international organizations contributing for the international development. In the past, it received economic aid from the other nations but later its economy became stronger and today it provides developmental assistance to the developing countries. For instant, the country contributes financial aid, technical training and development support to poor countries through programs supported by institutions such as the OECD. Thus, South Korea is an inspiring model for many developing countries in order to achieve economic progress.
To consider why countries like Korea involve in the world organization, one vital concept of international relations is liberalism, which emphasizes cooperation between countries through global organizations (Baylis et al., 2020). Liberal thinkers believes that the world institutions help countries choose cooperation instead of conflicts and solve the problems peacefully through dialogue than force. The contributions of South Korea for institutions like working with others states through them reflects the features of liberalism.
Another significant concept to discuss South Korea’s international role is soft power which refers to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction without military force (Nye, 2004). South Korea has successfully followed this concept through its cultural influence, technological innovation and developmental experience. It improves its global reputation and raises diplomatic relationships with other nations.
In conclusion, it becomes essential that South Korea participates in global organizations and international cooperation. South Korea contributes to peacekeeping, economic development and global government through its involvement in the international institution. International relations concepts such as liberalism and soft power help explain why the country chooses to actively participate in these institutions. In my opinion, its role in global organizations will likely remain significantly in shaping international cooperation and addressing global challenges as long as it continues to grow economically and politically.
Writer: May Phyo Aung (EMPM Student in the Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang)
References (APA)
Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2020). The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Nye, J. S. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. Public Affairs.
Seth, M. J. (2016). A concise history of modern Korea (2nd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.
United Nations. (2023). Republic of Korea and the United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/member-states/republic-korea
World Trade Organization. (2023). Republic of Korea and the WTO. https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/korea_rep_e.htm
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2023). Korea and the OECD. https://www.oecd.org/korea/
Qazinform. (2024, October 10). South Korea elected to UN Human Rights Council for sixth time. https://qazinform.com/news/south-korea-elected-to-un-human-rights-council-for-sixth-time-34d9a5
