Navigating the Twin Risks in Alliance Dilemma: South Korea’s foreign policy during the US-DPRK nuclear crises

Peh, Kimberly, Park, Soul and Paik, Seung Joon (2026) Navigating the Twin Risks in Alliance Dilemma: South Korea’s foreign policy during the US-DPRK nuclear crises. Australian Journal of International Affairs. ISSN 1035-7718 (In Press)

Preview

PDF (RisksofEntrapment (AJIA 2026) Peh_Park_Paik Final) - Accepted Version Download (439kB) | Preview

Abstract

How do weaker states in an asymmetric alliance simultaneously manage the risks of entrapment and abandonment? Research on alliance management largely focuses on how stronger states manage entrapment while weaker states address abandonment. Such arguments reflect the military imbalance and the relative dependence between asymmetric allies. However, weaker allies can fear both entrapment and abandonment simultaneously when the former threatens their interests and security. To understand how they navigate the competing risks within the alliance, we argue that weaker allies would cautiously act as conflict managers by coordinating with allies while advancing peaceful alternatives, garnering support from the international community, and offering inducements to the adversary to incentivize negotiations. We demonstrate our argument by analyzing South Korea’s behaviors throughout three crises involving the US and North Korea in the post-Cold War era. We conclude with broader theoretical and policy implications.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	uk-rok alliance,alliance security dilemma,entrapment,alliance restraint,north korean nuclear crisis,political science and international relations ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3320
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Research Groups > Political, Social and International Studies
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	12 May 2026 09:11
Last Modified:	14 May 2026 15:16
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/102953
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item