The Foreign Policy Goal of South Korea's UN Peacekeeping Operations

Abstract

In this study, the motivation behind South Korea's active participation in UN peacekeeping operations is examined. Specifically, whether its participation is driven by economic, political or normative considerations is explored. The argument made here is that a normative consideration is the main factor behind Korea's participation in UN peacekeeping operations. The example of Korea illustrates that not only economic and political considerations but also normative concerns are among the national interests that drive countries to engage in issues of human rights violations in the international community.