Understanding Japan–South Korean (ROK) Cooperation

Abstract:

This thesis explores why Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) fail to fully cooperate with one another. Given the circumstances of a more powerful China and an aggressive North Korea, it doesn’t quite make sense why these two Western allies are, themselves, not allies. Drawing on the quasi-alliance theory—a modification of realist theory—as well as theories of national identity, this thesis examines the relevancy of these theories in understanding what drives the cooperation of Japan and ROK. Focusing on the early 2010s, which saw increased attention to the region due to greater US defense commitments with the “Asia Pivot” and a successful North Korean nuclear test, this thesis examines three potential independent variables in analyzing this question of cooperation: (1) US security commitments to northeast Asia, (2) levels of threat perception, and (3) the difference in attitude toward the other country as a result of the two countries’ emotionally charged history. By examining state-level public documents and statements released by the military and diplomatic offices, this thesis analyzes Japan and ROK’s behavior toward one another by tracking their cooperation in the security, economic, and diplomatic realms in an effort to better understand cooperation between the two countries.