Lee Myung-bak's foreign policy: a 250-day assessment

Abstract

Abstract Since his inauguration in February 2008, Lee Myung-bak has pursued a “pragmatic” foreign policy based on strengthening relationships with key regional powers and promoting conditional engagement with North Korea, while also enhancing South Korea's role in the international community. But Lee's foreign policy initiatives have thus far been stymied by a combination of internal and external obstacles. South Korea's capacity to effectively manage relations with regional powers, engage with North Korea, and meet its global commitments will depend on how the Lee administration applies its new foreign policy agenda in practical terms. This article assesses Lee Myung-bak's foreign policy performance in the first nine months since his inauguration, based on a critical review of his initial steps in relations with the United States, Japan, and China, and recent developments in inter-Korean relations. In addition, it considers Lee Myung bak's efforts to design a global strategy for South Korea including Lee's emphasis on resource diplomacy. The article considers the domestic and international constraints and prospects facing the Lee administration as it attempts to implement a coherent South Korean foreign policy strategy.1 1. This paper represents the opinions of the author and not necessarily of the institutions with which he is affiliated. The author would like to acknowledge the research assistance of See-Won Byun, a Research Associate at the Center for U.S. Korea Policy at The Asia Foundation.