South Korea on the World’s Stage
By Polina Anastassieva, Sharon Schweitzer
This past July, in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Austin, St. Edward’s University, Stratfor, and Neil-Cochran Museum, an event on South Korea was held. The two speakers, Dr. Jooyoun Lee, a professor at St. Edward’s University, and Roger Baker, an Executive Director at Stratfor, held a discussion on South Korea, its progression and stage in the world, as well as intriguing cultural nuances.
There were key points that Mr. Baker emphasized that set the tone for Dr. Lee’s presentation. Roger Baker noted that currently, on a military level, North Korea does not have South Korea as a primary target. The thinking and the actions have shifted from total annihilation of the country to more of a smaller battle concept. What is North Korea’s role in the world? Since North Korea has recently partnered up with Russia, thus China, now extended its interest in the dialogue as well. For decades, the South Korean attitude had been anti-Japan. However, as a result of the blockade by North Korea, preventing trade from mainland China, South Koreans are now forced to build partnerships in order to ship goods indirectly. The conversation has now shifted to move goods by sea-maritime. As a result, Vietnam and the Philippines have now become great partners for South Korea. Yet, the United States still remains as one of the main partners, thus becoming a threat to China.
Mr. Baker then elaborated on the Belton Road initiative. The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, established a highly significant program between South Korea, Australia, Japan, and the United States, in order to create a more positive relationship between the countries. In April of 2023, President Joe Biden invited Yoon Suk Yeol to Washington D.C., for a state visit. Yoon was also the first president in 12 years to be invited to Tokyo to meet the Japanese prime minister.
Dr. Lee discussed South Korea’s demographics, which include it being 1/7th the size of the state of Texas. Additionally, historically, Korea was one united country. It wasn’t until after WWII, with the decision of the great powers, that led to the separation of the country into two halves-North and South Korea. The peninsula was intended to be divided temporarily along the 38th parallel, until the truths were implemented. However, due to a variety of factors, including for military reasons, the division resulted in economic, ideological, social, and even linguistic division. As a result, this also led to a rise of international adoption-Korean diaspora.
Please note that the 38th parallel, which was established in 1945, was transformed into the DMZ (demilitarized zone) through the armistice signed in July of 1953. In other words, the 38th parallel is no longer a division line of Korea. Currently, the DMZ divides the peninsula into North and South Korea.
This year, the 2024 South Korea-Africa Summit was held in Ilsan New Town and Seoul, with 48 African countries participating, in order to promote and strengthen economic relationships.
An interesting point that both Mr. Baker and Dr. Lee concluded that South Korea plays a role in the United States as a soft power. From K-pop, to Korean drama shows, to the cuisine that has now become popular in the US, it is certainly a topic to pay attention to.
Photos by Polina Anastassieva
Polina Anastassieva, is a compliance, fraud prevention and detection, and risk management analyst, as well as an international business consultant. Polina is also an entrepreneur and a writer, her blog, specifically focuses on understanding international topics such as trade, culture, foreign affairs, and conducting business around the globe. She has also been featured on St. Edward’s University‘s alumni website, as a distinguished member and supporter for the community. Additionally, she is on the board of World Affairs Council of Austin.
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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