Value-Based Solidarity and Crisis Management: Exploring the Implications and Development Direction of Korea-Europe Cooperation

Sungwon Lee

Research Fellow, Sejong Institute

sw.lee@sejong.org

   One of the remarkable characteristics of the intensifying global competition and the reorganized international order is the phenomenon of the division of sides that compete against opposing coalitions in solidarity based on shared interests and values. Multipolarized factions and Division at the international level show a pattern of complex manifestations under a multi-layered hierarchy between the powers, the Western-Non-Western, and North-South relations. In particular, it is worth paying attention to the deepening of the 'a Conflict of Visions' between the forces trying to preserve the existing order and the forces trying to reorganize it. In the future, the world order can be reorganized not simply by a conflict of material power, but by a conflict and result of a competing vision that looks at global governance.

   In order for the "rule-based order," emphasized in advanced democratic countries' foreign policy, it is necessary to systematically discuss the conceptual and functional development plan of this order to gain support and have institutional authority and legitimacy by realizing universal human values and common prosperity. Furthermore, multi-layered measures are also required to check and improve whether multilateral solidarity and cooperation between like-minded groups based on rule-based order would lead to substantial contributions to the resolution of disputes, crisis management, and regional stability.

   The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of different interests at the government and academic level on key concepts such as 'rule-based order' identify similarities between Korea and Europe on global dispute resolution and crisis management, and discuss the direction of cooperation between Korea and Europe. It examines various theoretical approaches and interpretations of the definition, purpose, and function of key concepts such as 'rule-based order' and 'position similarity'. Furthermore, it presents a critical analysis of the role and function of the alliance between countries with similar positions, gathered to secure the initiative in the global order based on shared values, ideologies, norms, and visions. In particular, this study highlights the strategic partnership between Korea and Europe, where the value and importance of posing a 'position similarity' within the rule-based order are increasing. Through the analysis of the results of an in-depth survey of foreign affairs and security experts from four European countries (the UK, France, Germany, and Italy), it is intended to analyze the perception of the potential and limitations of multilateral cooperation between Korea and Europe as viewed by European experts and to explore ways for development that cooperation between the two countries as a global hub can contribute to conflict resolution and crisis management.