South Korea’s Rising Power in Africa: Trade, Politics and Development Assistance

Abstract

Relations between Africa and South Korea, officially Republic of Korea (ROK), started during the 1960s. In the Cold War years, Seoul’s Africa pol- icy has been shaped by its diplomatic competition with Pyongyang. Despite Seoul’s attempts to initiate closer relations with African countries, Africa occupied a secondary status in Korean foreign policy. Following the end of the Cold War, Africa became more marginalized in Korea’s policy priori- ties. Starting from 2000s, increasing concerns over food security and energy needs compelled Seoul to review its Africa policy. This article argues that recent Korean interest towards Africa is driven mostly by economic consid- erations including the quest for energy security and alternative export mar- kets. On the other hand, engagement with Africa is expected to serve Korea’s middle power ambitions.

Güney Kore’nin Afrika’da Artan Gücü: Ticaret, Politika ve Kalkınma Yardımları

Abstract

Afrika ve Kore (resmi adıyla Kore Cumhuriyeti) arasındaki ilişkiler 1960’lı yıllarda başlamıştır. Soğuk Savaş yıllarında, Kore’nin Afrika politikası, Pyongyang ile olan diplomatik rekabet çerçevesinde şekillenmiştir. Bu dönemde Kore’nin Afrika ülkeleriyle daha yakın ilişkiler kurma girişimlerine rağmen, Afrika, Kore dış politikasında ikincil bir konumda yer almaya devam etmiştir. Soğuk Savaş’ın sona ermesinin ardından ise Afrika, Kore’nin politi- ka öncelikleri arasında daha marjinal hale gelmiştir. Ancak 2000’li yıllardan başlayarak, gıda güvenliği ve enerji ihtiyaçları konusundaki endişelerin artması Seul’u Afrika politikasını gözden geçirmeye zorlamıştır. Bu makale, Kore’nin Afrika’ya ilgisinin çoğunlukla enerji güvenliği arayışı ve alternatif ihracat pazarları gibi iktisadi faktörlerden kaynaklandığını iddia etmektedir. Öte yandan, Afrika ile ilişkilerin Kore’nin orta büyüklükte güç emellerine hizmet etmesi de beklenmektedir.

Keywords

• emerging powers,South Korea,Africa,foreign policy

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