Korean role in Northeast Asian Community Formation : economic vs. ideational factors

Korea is ofen described as a shrimp among whales, as this relatively small country is located next to its great neighbours, China and Japan, neighbours sharing experiences of dominance over Korean Peninsula from the past. In this context, Korea’s role as a pivot of regional cooperation seems relatively unlikely. On the other hand, however, its minor power can be an asset, as the country may not be seen as a threat to other Northeast Asian powers. "erefore middle power approach, South Korea has been trying to apply in its foreign policy, may be useful in regional community building in Northeast Asia, region deprived of strong international institutions. Northeast Asia is undoubtedly a pivotal area not only for Asia-Pacific regional system, but also for the global system. Unfortunately, political and military tensions in the region make it also one of hotspots of the world. Hence, South Korean initiative of Trilateral Summit of 2008 (China, Japan, South Korea) seems a real chance for stabilizing the region. "e chapter will analyse building and stumbling blocks of possible formation of the Northeast Asian Community in the foreseeable future. Analysis will be primarily based on system theory, with three levels: transnational, international (understood as inter-state level) and possible future supranational one. "e hypothesis of the presented chapter suggests building blocks of Northeast Asian community exist among certain subjects at the transnational level (especially economic cooperation) and stumbling blocks at international (inter-state), especially in the political sphere, as well as cultural issues, especially connected with history and memory. Second assumption states, South Korea may play a crucial role in regional integration, due to the fact, it’s not perceived as a threat to regional hegemonic powers (like China and Japan). It would bene#t mostly from the regional integration process and institutions, like Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (established 2011 in Seoul), focusing on non-controversial issues.