President Lee's foreign policy is pragmatic

Bantarto Bandoro ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 02/26/2008 12:49 PM  |  Opinion

Lee Myung-bak was sworn in as president of South Korea on Monday. The world watched the proceedings with a heightened inquisitiveness, maybe even hope, and such international attention may well lead to an increase in foreign investment in the region.

Many hope Lee will bring South Korea into a fresh era where financial growth and increased security are achieved through amicable means. Lee must adopt a prudent and patient approach in dealing with this troubled peninsula's security issues, South Korea's foremost concern, by forming a close cooperation with members of the six-party talks.

Regional security is perhaps one of the most daunting challenges Lee will confront during his presidency. Strengthening cooperation with six-party talks members and providing major economic aid to North Korea if the government gives up its nuclear ambitions will be his focus. It remains unclear, however, as to whether North Korea is willing to accept the offered "carrot" and sacrifice its nuclear ambitions.

Lee's inauguration takes place in the year of South Korea's 60th anniversary of independence. In this year, Lee will begin implementation of "creative pragmatism", the modus operandi of his administration.

What does creative pragmatism actually mean? How will it stand up to the expectations of the Korean people or calm the fears of a nervous international community? One thing is certain, South Korea will continue to exist on the radar of the international community not merely owning to its huge economic assets, but also as a site of fragile international security, which, if were it to erupt into full-blown crisis, would threaten South Korea's economy and the stability of all regional security and economic development.

In order to gain greater trust from the home front, Lee will put forward a vision of domestic partnership and stability.

On the international front, one can envision several principles that would help guide Korea toward a creative restructuring of its fledgling foreign policy.

First, strengthening of the Korea-U.S. alliance. Korea's new leader will be aware that the alliance, anchored on the countries' historical friendship, has underpinned Korea's security and economy for the past several decades.

Second, expanding Korean's Asian diplomacy. Creative diplomatic pragmatism will ensure Korea's security and prosperity by creating a harmony with the rest of Asia. Lee will have to pursue a liberal leadership congenial to the Asian community thus enriching Korea's relations with its neighboring countries.

Third, foreign policy contributing to the welfare of the international community. Korea must be able to participate in global issues such as combating disease and poverty and protecting the environment. Simply put, Korea will have to assume the responsibility befitting the world's 11th largest economy.

Fourth, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Korea must push for North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions. For this to occur, and because North Korea remains a closed state, South Korea will probably embrace a strategy of reciprocity as a means to induce North Korea's genuine opening. For Korea, the current "nuclear freeze" is not sufficient as a long-term solution. South Korea must stand ready to assist North Korea.

Fifth, energy policy. Korea's economic development relies on, among other things, the stability of energy supply. In order to secure long-term energy supply, Korea may need to build an "energy silk road", or an international energy cooperation belt. Thus, it is imperative Korea conduct robust energy-related diplomacy as a means to advance it economy.

Once Lee is sworn in, South Korea will see a series of significant new steps that will integrate the basic domestic and international needs of Korea to protect its common good. Creative pragmatism values context over generalizations, experience over theory and practice over words.

But Lee's roadmap will lead nowhere unless it is fully backed by effective execution of his sound programs. What matters is, not the strength or size of a nation, but its agility and prowess. This is the essence of creative pragmatism. Perhaps Indonesia can stand to learn from it.

The writer is chief editor at The Indonesian Quarterly, published by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. He also teaches at the international relations postgraduate studies program at the University of Indonesia, Jakarta. He can be contacted at bandoro@csis.or.id

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