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The Pattern of Cooperation and Conflict between Korea and Japan: Theoretical Expectations and Empirical Realities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

CHEOL HEE PARK
CHEOL HEE PARK*
Affiliation:
Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), Seoul National Universitychpark82@snu.ac.kr.
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Abstract

Over the past few decades, cooperation between Korea and Japan has increased and deepened, but frictions continue to persist. Which direction is the relationship between Korea and Japan heading? This is the question that this article attempts to address.

From an analytical standpoint, this article applies contemporary international relations theories – realism, liberalism, and constructivism – to the pattern of cooperation and conflict in Korea–Japan relations. After reviewing both optimistic and pessimistic positions drawn from diverse perspectives, the author makes a synthesis, where he suggests the case for cautious optimism.

What we find in reality is long-term progress in an upward movement, interrupted by recurring frictions in the short term. Empirical evidence supports the case that Korea–Japan relations are making steady progress towards deeper, heightened, and multilayered cooperation. However, such issues as historical controversy and territorial disputes are the hurdles that both nations need to overcome. Whether Korea and Japan can maximize the effects of optimism, while they effectively minimize the impacts of pessimism will determine the nature of the ties between the two countries.

Cooperation between the two countries is not necessarily guaranteed, but we find irreversible trends of improved cooperation over time. However, lingering suspicions, submerged nationalist sentiments, and sporadic surges of extremism remain. They should be carefully managed by the leaders of the two countries.

Type
Research Article
Information
Japanese Journal of Political Science , Volume 10 , Issue 3 , December 2009 , pp. 247 - 265
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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