South Korea’s Rising Presence in the Middle East: Analyzing the Drivers and Consequences

Abstract

South Korea has been one of the active players in the Middle East. South Korea as a Middle Power has increased its presence in different spheres. Although economic interests and securing energy imports have been the main drivers of South Korean involvement with the Middle East, the ongoing regional dynamic in East Asia has added a new impetus to South Korean Middle East policy. In this regard, this paper aims to explore South Korean Middle East drivers from 2001 to 2024. Meanwhile, the implications of South Korea's active diplomacy in the Middle East at different levels of analysis will be discussed. This research adopts a mixed methodology including qualitative-quantitative methods.
The key findings of this research are the following:
Due to increased uncertainty in East Asia following the rise of China and North Korea's existential threats, South Korea is trying to expand its network of partners in the economic and security realms.
South Korea's increased presence in the Middle East as a Middle power has been seen positively due to its strong soft power and non-interference approach toward the internal affairs of Middle Eastern countries
South Korean involvement will be heightened in the foreseeable future and will continue in multiple areas.



Author Information
Zeynab Farhadi, Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Hong Kong

Paper Information
Conference: KCAH2024
Stream: Political Science

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Posted by James Alexander Gordon