Bandwagon or Balance? South Korea’s Strategic Dilemma between America and China

Bandwagon or Balance? South Korea’s Strategic Dilemma between America and China

South Korea faces a major geopolitical and strategic dilemma. This paper investigates four strategic options available to South Korea in navigating between its post-Korean War ally, the United States, and its more recent economic partner, China. Options include bandwagoning with either China or the United States, maintaining a balance between the two great powers, and pursuing an independent nuclear capability to ensure its security as a powerful, independent and nuclear state.
This paper also compares and analyzes the implications of South Korea aligning itself more closely with either the U.S. or China, exploring potential economic and military benefits, as well as possible diplomatic ramifications. Maintaining strategic balance for South Korea entails both risks and opportunities as it leverages its geopolitical position to protect its national interests. Each option has implications for regional security and may engender responses from the international community. For each strategic option, this paper assesses the positive and negative impacts on South Korea’s national security, regional stability, and economic growth. The paper concludes with recommendations for South Korea’s security policy in light of the complex geopolitical situation of East Asian great power competition.