South Korea

Heightened activity around Dokdo/Takeshima by the ROK could generate a ‘clash of nationalisms’ with Japan and endanger delicate bilateral relations.

South Korea’s rapid rise as a manufacturing powerhouse and a leading export-oriented economy was made possible due to the active role of the ‘developmental state’ in the country. Despite adopting several neoliberal policies after the devastating Asian financial crisis of 1997, the South Korean state did not fully abandon its role in the country’s economic development. In recent years, selling of military hardware has emerged as one of the ‘new engines of economic growth’ for this export-oriented nation. Furthermore, South Korea’s economic and strategic relations with India have developed significantly, particularly after the end of the Cold War. The arms trade between the two countries has also grown notably. While India’s developing economic and strategic relations with South Korea are well-documented, there is a lack of literature on New Delhi’s increasing arms trade with Seoul. This article explains the challenges and prospects of South Korea’s trade of weapons with India.

The January 2026 South Korea–China summit meeting produced minimal progress on the Yellow Sea maritime boundary issue.

India’s deployment of its armed forces in the aftermath of the Korean Armistice established a unique blueprint for global peace-making.

India's astute diplomacy in the Korean War provides a powerful blueprint for engaging with today's tumultuous global landscape.

Lee Jae-myung’s election as South Korea’s President has ended the period of political instability that began with the imposition of martial law in December 2024.

Seoul will find it difficult to overcome its trade dependence on Beijing despite growing anti-China sentiment.

The ongoing political crisis in South Korea has helped Pyongyang demean the South Korean democratic system.

The interest in the production and export of drones from both South and North Korea in the wake of the Russia–Ukraine war may increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula, going forward.

The South Korean support to the designation of the Sado mine as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024 is reflective of the recent conciliatory approach of South Korea towards Japan with regards to the colonial history.