BSU bulletin. Philosophy
Bibliographic description:
The Origins of South Korea’s Strategic Culture: An Ontological Analysis // BSU bulletin. Philosophy. - 2026. №2. . - С. 62-68.
Title:
The Origins of South Korea’s Strategic Culture: An Ontological Analysis
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Annotation:
The article considers the origins of the Republic of Korea's strategic culture through an ontological lens. Drawing on A. Wendt’s constructivist theory and J. Mitzen’s concept of ontological security, we have analyzed how the historical experience of existing “between” great powers, colonial trauma, and national division have shaped a persistent perception of an unsafe international environment. This posture, defined as “being-in-between”, result in
a South Korea’s foreign policy characterized by balancing between the United States and China. The study highlights that the Korean strategic agency today evolve due to new instrumental, pragmatic maneuvers.
a South Korea’s foreign policy characterized by balancing between the United States and China. The study highlights that the Korean strategic agency today evolve due to new instrumental, pragmatic maneuvers.
Keywords:
strategic culture, the Republic of Korea, ontological security, constructivism, being-in-between, balance policy, identity dualism, middle power.
List of references:
Article.pdf