The Way You Do It Like You Do: Moon Jae-in’s Mediation in the U.S.–DPRK Crisis (2017–2018)

Abstract

This article examines South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s mediation during the 2017–2018 U.S.–DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) crisis, emphasising the importance of a multidimensional approach to power in international crisis mediation. This study argues that both strategic strengths—such as resource-based powers—and tactical strengths, including personal skills, are critical for successful mediation. Moon skilfully utilised South Korea’s relational, expert and reward powers while employing innovative tactics like the ‘borrowing tactic’, where he drew on South Korea’s international alliances and connections to create a link between the DPRK’s flexibility and its capacity to secure political concessions. His mediation helped de-escalate tensions and facilitated dialogue, leading to the first U.S.–DPRK summit. This analysis highlights the intricate interplay between a mediator’s resource-based powers and their tactical behaviour in crisis scenarios, underscoring how both elements are crucial for shaping preventive diplomacy efforts and their outcomes in high-stakes situations. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that it is not only what a mediator has at their disposal that matters, but also—equally importantly—how they use it.