Внешняя политика Кореи

Бакалавриат 2025/2026

Статус: Курс по выбору (Программа двух дипломов НИУ ВШЭ и Университета Кёнхи «Экономика и политика в Азии»)

Где читается: Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики

Когда читается: 3-й курс, 1, 2 модуль

Охват аудитории: для своего кампуса

Язык: английский

Abstract

This course is designed to explore the evolution of South Korea’s foreign policies since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948. It will examine historical background, foreign relations with major powers, and new directions in South Korea’s foreign policy formation focusing on various factors influencing South Korean foreign policy. After the end of World War II and during most time of the Cold War period, South Korea, as a newly independent state, had been heavily dependent on its alliance with the United States to achieve its national objectives of security and prosperity. However, with the end of the Cold War and its successes in economic development and democratization, Seoul has attempted to expand the horizon of foreign policy through multilateralism and an active pursuit of peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. In the changing context of contemporary world politics, this course will also examine the future direction of South Korea’s foreign policy and strategic choice in its relations to major powers and facing with the dynamic of changing security environment in East Asia. The complete syllabus will be presented on the KHU's territory.

Learning Objectives

To understand the historical evolution of South Korea’s foreign policies since 1948
To examine Korea’s foreign relations with major powers surrounding the Korean Peninsula such as the United States, China, Japan, and Russia
To illuminate major determinants and factors influencing South Korea's foreign policy and strategic choices
To understand multilateralism in South Korean foreign policy
To understand the future direction of South Korea’s strategic choice

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students will gain knowledge of the main objectives of South Korea in foreign policy and foreign policy during authoritarian rules

Course Contents

Introduction and Class Organization
South Korea's Strategic Choices
Foreign Policies under Authoritarian Rule
Roh Tae-Woo and Kim Young Sam
Kim Dae-jung and the Sunshine Policy - Snyder, Chapter 4
Roh Moo-hyun’s Balancer Policy - Snyder, Chapter 5
Lee Myung-bak’s Global Korea Policy - Snyder, Chapter 6
Mid-term Exam
Park Geun-hye’s Asian Paradox 1 - Snyder
The Paradox of South Korea’s Middle-Power Status 1 - Snyder, Chapter 8
The Paradox of South Korea’s Middle-Power Status 2 - Snyder, Chapter 8
Korea Between the United States and China 1 - Snyder, Chapter 9
Moon Jae-In's Peace Process on the Korea Peninsula
Final Exam

Assessment Elements

Analytical paper
Students must demonstrate an understanding of the regional context, the ability to analyze current relations between Russia and East Asian countries, and propose constructive solutions to existing issues.
Test
The test for the Russia in East Asia course will be evaluated based on your ability to accurately understand the approaches of the East Asian countries, taking into account your previous political and economic background and demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of the course material covered thus far. Your answers should be clear, concise, and precise, effectively communicating your understanding of the regional features.
ATTENDANCE
The grade will be based on attendance during the lectures/seminars. Attendance in class is basic and mandatory.
Final Exam
The final exam takes place orally. The procedure is as follows. The student is asked to answer one of the 10 questions, a list of which is attached. What kind of question the student will get is determined randomly and is not known to the student in advance. The student is asked to draw a note with the number of the examination question. Time to prepare an answer is no more than 15 minutes, response time is no more than 10 minutes.
Participation
All students should actively participate in discussions. Students should be prepared for classes and be ready to provide information/feedback or answer the questions on the subject.

Interim Assessment

2025/2026 2nd module
0.1 * ATTENDANCE + 0.1 * ATTENDANCE + 0.1 * Analytical paper + 0.1 * Analytical paper + 0.1 * Final Exam + 0.3 * Participation + 0.1 * Participation + 0.1 * Test

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Snyder, S. (2017). South Korea at the Crossroads : Autonomy and Alliance in an Era of Rival Powers. New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1650055

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Complexity, Security and Civil Society in East Asia: Foreign Policies and the Korean Peninsula. (2015). Netherlands, Europe: Open Book Publishers. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.8FDC22A4

Course Syllabus