South Korea

EU-South Korea-Japan: Revitalizing Defence and Security Ties in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

The global inter-state cooperation landscape is changing. In this regard, the geopolitical situation detonated by the outbreak of the war in Ukraine has produced two main areas of convergence between Europe and Northeast Asia. First, shifting geopolitical alliances and security challenges have fostered a renewed understanding of defence in all its facets in both regions. Second, thanks to their engagement through NATO and strengthened bilateral cooperation, the EU, Japan, and South Korea are also gaining momentum for enhanced trilateral security cooperation. In doing so, the three partners may be facing an array of challenges, but the opportunities for collaboration are present and continue to be growing.

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President Yoon’s Short-lived Martial Law Declaration and Its Fallout

President Yoon Suk-Yeol sent the Republic of Korea into political turmoil in early December 2024 by declaring martial law, citing the need to “wipe out anti-state forces,” only to withdraw it again several hours later. Since then, the country has been sent into uncertainty. While impeachment proceedings have been set in motion, these recent developments have severely impacted the country’s domestic governance, as well as its ability to participate in global politics. What are likely avenues for South Korea to overcome this political unrest and what does it mean for EU-South Korea relations?

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South Korea as the New International Defence Industrial Powerhouse: Implications For Europe

The Republic of Korea (ROK, or South Korea), a technologically advanced nation, is internationally famous for its export of semiconductors, cars and pop culture. In the past few years, South Korea has also successfully grown its defence industry, securing major deals abroad. Emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing defence exporters, South Korea ascended from the 31st position in 2000 to a top ten ranking between 2019 and 2023 in the global arms trade, taking many by surprise, especially in Europe.

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