National Strategy Vol. 29 No. 3 (Fall)

Abstract Summary

How does America Counter China? Analyzing America's Domestic Politics and Economic Security​ / Jungkun Seo

Economic security, which connects considerations of domestic economy with security competition, tends to be sensitive to characteristics of the state. Even though countering China has become a critical US foreign policy goal, the type, timing, and trends of the US economic security policies may vary. Does the US grand strategy of countering China have bipartisan support on Capitol Hill? How similar and different are executive orders versus lawmaking? Is the policy timing before or after the presidential election? What are the differences among the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations when it comes to countering China? Given the fact that the state of the economy is a domestic issue, economic security is up to democratic politics. The contents and consistency of US economic security policy interact with domestic politics in many different dimensions.

Keywords: Economic Security, Presidential Leadership, US Congress, Party Politics, Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act​

Analysis of the Interrelationship between Alliance Formation and Great Power Competition through the Balance of Threat Theory: Focusing on the Decision to Transfer Nuclear Powered Submarine Technology to AUKUS / Dong-eun Kim​

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In 2021, after the launch of the AUKUS alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, many discussions began in Korean society about the transfer and development of nuclear-powered submarine technology. Unlike Australia, which is facing an imminent threat from the growing nuclear capabilities of North Korea and China, South Korea is facing an imminent threat from the growing nuclear capabilities of North Korea and China. In particular, in

States and China, which are international system variables within the strategic competition between the United States and China. It is time to recognize the essence of the AUKUS system and to have insight into how to apply it to Korea's security and military policies.​

Keywords: The Balance of Threat Theory, AUKUS, U.S-China Strategic Competition, Nuclear Powered Submarine​

Silicon Network: Japan and Taiwan’s Semiconductor Technology Cooperation and Diplomatic Strategy​ / Seunghee Oh

This paper delves into the Japan-Taiwan semiconductor cluster as an exemplar of a techno-economic security network strategy in the midst of the intensifying competition for technological hegemony between the United States and China. The disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on global supply chains have prompted countries to increasingly rely on strategic network connections to fortify their production capabilities, promote technological nationalism, and mitigate protectionist measures. In response, Japan and Taiwan have proactively fortified their network power by forging additional links and securing hub positions, respectively. By expanding their industry-government-academia-research multi-actor networks, they establish multi-layered connections within and between companies, regions, governments, and the international community. These networks serve as the foundational framework for advancing technological development, stimulating economic revival, and fostering regional revitalization. Employing value diplomacy as a guiding framework, this paper analyzes the intricate process of establishing the multi-layered and complex network between Japan and Taiwan, aiming to discern the distinctive features and limitations of technological cooperation networks.

Keywords: Japan-Taiwan, Semiconductor, Cluster, Network, Tech-Economic Security

When Leaders Expect Too Much: The Ups and Downs of Sino-ROK Relations During 2013-2016​ / Eunbi Lee, Seung Joon Paek

This study examines the sudden deterioration of the Sino-ROK relationship following North Korea’s fourth nuclear test in January 2016. We argue that the unrealistic expectations the two countries’ top leaders had for one another contributed to the rift. While Seoul expected China to take harsh measures against North Korea to end its nuclear program, Beijing expected South Korea to align with China’s strategic interests and distance itself from its longtime ally, the U.S. Although these expectations had contributed to a period of positive relations between the two countries since 2013, they were at odds with the core security interests of the two countries and therefore were not sustainable. When the two failed to fulfill each other’s expectations after the North Korean nuclear test, policymakers in Seoul and Beijing felt betrayed and responded with punitive measures that significantly harmed their relationship. We conclude with policy recommendations for a more prudent approach to security cooperation based on common interests. ​

Keywords: Unrealistic Expectations, Sino-ROK Relations, North Korea Sanctions, THAAD, Emotion

The Securitization Problem of South Korea’s Maritime Security​ / Juhyun Park

Securitization is the act of making certain threats an issue that requires special countermeasures away from the existing political grammar. Based on the two mechanisms by which security is attained, -the performativity of speech-act, the conformativity between the regime of practices and the politics of extraordinary-, this study suggests the reason for the paltry securitization of marine security in South Korea. When the comprehensive characteristics of maritime security are combined with the structure of the international society, not only concerns about entrapment but also motivations for free rides are rampant, weakening the performativity of speech-act. In addition, the regime of practices formed by the national goals of peaceful unification and the Korea-U.S. alliance system restrict the politics of extraordinary for maritime security. For the securitization, it is necessary to define maritime security as a concept that reflects power politics among nations to support the performance of speech-act and seek policies that can be accepted by the existing regime of practices.​

Keywords: Maritime Security, Securitization, Speech-Act, Regimes of Practices, Politics of Extraordinary​

Synchronization of Strategy and Weapons: Tracing Mechanism of Shift from Light Aircraft Carrier to Korea-tailored Aircraft Carrier​ / Kil Joo Park

As the policy of a light aircraft carrier has come to a halt, the discourse of a Korea-tailored aircraft carrier is emerging. This shift has something to do with the policy orientation of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration which is keen on designing and executing outward national strategy as noted by Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The light carrier policy had been under criticism due to the absence of a relevant strategy. The Yoon administration’s outward posture, however, has a tendency to make a carrier policy favorable in the sense that a carrier looks relevant to achieve its outward objectives. This paper proposes an analytic framework-a linkage model of capacity and strategy-and then, it attempts to trace the two different cases and make a detailed analysis. The examination also comes up with a measure for high synchronization while comparing an inward strategy with an outward strategy. Finally, this paper provides policy implications such as the importance of synchronization between strategy and weapons, the need to define a carrier clearly, and a measure for a trial and error.

Keywords: National Strategy, Light Aircraft Carrier, Korea-tailored Aircraft Carrier, War Potential, Indo-Pacific Strategy​

Public-Private Partnership Transformation in the ‘New Space’ Era and Implications for the Korean Context​ / Junghyun Yoon, Sunghoon Lee

Today, the space industry is facing a new breakthrough in the so-called “New Space” era. There is one significant common thread that runs through all of this: the discussion of structural change in the space industry and the new public-private partnerships (PPPs) that are driving it. Indeed, leading countries in the space industry are increasingly bringing the advantages of private enterprise to space development. Furthermore, space is becoming a key area for military security, and establishing effective relationships between the military and civilian sectors to maximize mutual cooperation is becoming a critical issue. However, it is necessary to critically examine whether this new space discourse is valid for space industry followers such as South Korea. In particular, unlike the U.S., which has a mature private ecosystem where the New Space concept originated, the Korean context is one in which national strategic goals and government investment are more important for the direction of space development. 

Therefore, this paper focuses on the change mechanism of the new space paradigm as an irresistible external global trend in space development, while emphasizing the need to establish public-private partnerships that comprehensively consider our own special stage and conditions. Specifically, we propose the practical advancement of space development by presenting action plans for the economic aspects of building an integrated innovation ecosystem, the development and utilization of civil-military applications, the security aspects related to the expansion of the ROK-US alliance, and the diplomatic aspects such as international cooperation and norms for future global expansion.

Keywords: New Space, Public-Private Partnership, Space Development, Space Industry, Space Security​