Jungmin Seo
In an era that mirrors the unpredictability of the post-World War II landscape, the world’s geopolitical stage has been dramatically altered. The once unchallenged post-Cold War, US-led world order now contends with the meteoric rise of China and the unsettling shadow of Russia’s movements in Ukraine. Amidst this, East Asia sees North Korea amplifying its military saber-rattling, while the Middle East remains ensnared in a quagmire of civil strife and interstate confrontations.
However, this tumultuous backdrop has spotlighted the consequential role of middle powers. Through strategic alliance-building and proactive cooperation, Qatar and South Korea, anchored in the Middle East and East Asia respectively, emerge as essential, mid-sized stabilizers against the influential sway of major global powers within the international order.
A new dawn for middle powers
Qatar, navigating the treacherous waters of Middle Eastern politics, has positioned itself as a beacon of balanced diplomacy. Following the Arab Spring, Qatar has strategically pivoted its foreign policy to support only legitimate forces that uphold international values, there by contributing to global peace. The nation actively provides development assistance and humanitarian aid to developing countries and Palestine, affirming a dedication to stability and lawful governance on the global scene.
Korea stands as a significant middle power on the global stage, actively contributing to the promotion of international peace and the maintenance of stability in the East Asian region. Over the course of several decades, South Korea consistently dedicated itself to the critical task of defusing tensions in the face of an increasingly belligerent North Korea, characterized by its pursuit of nuclear armament and provocative actions.
Pioneering economic transitions
The fading relevance of fossil fuels has spurred Qatar into action. The nation is embarking on a transformative journey aimed at reducing its economic reliance on oil and gas by venturing into diversified industrial sectors. Capitalizing on its abundant natural gas reserves, Qatar is bolstering its downstream capabilities, exemplified by the ambitious construction of the world’s largest gas liquefaction production facility. Simultaneously, Qatar is proactively courting foreign businesses, establishing the Free Economic Zone Authority in 2018 and designating two free economic zones to facilitate the growth of non-energy industries.
On the other hand, South Korea, facing resource constraints and a relatively small domestic market, adopted a deliberate strategy of export-led industrialization. This strategic choice has propelled South Korea to the forefront of the global economy in various manufacturing sectors, including semiconductors, automobiles and shipbuilding. Nevertheless, the South Korean economy finds itself at a juncture where a structural shifts is imperative.
In response, South Korea is actively cultivating industries capable of creating high value through the synergy of technological innovation and convergence. In pursuit of this transformation, the nation places great emphasis on expanding its presence in overseas markets, forging partnerships with foreign corporations and governments, and alluring foreign capital. These concerted efforts underscore South Korea’s determination to adapt to changing economic dynamics and sustain its global relevance.
From regional players to global cultural magnets
Qatar’s position as the first Middle Eastern host for the World Cup underscores its advocacy for regional openness. Its media powerhouse, Al Jazeera, and educational initiatives via the Qatar Foundation are testaments to its aspirations to be a global cultural hub, complete with art repositories and world-renowned museums.
Concurrently, South Korea’s cultural arsenal, termed ‘Hallyu’, has exploded onto the global scene. Korean dramas, music, and even beauty trends are reshaping global cultural consumption patterns, particularly in regions where they find cultural consonance.
Deepening the Qatar-Korea Partnership
The relationship, kindled in 1974, between Qatar and Korea has matured into a symbiotic partnership. Qatar’s energy fuels Korea’s industry, while cooperation in diverse sectors like healthcare and defense mutually fortifies their development agendas.
The upcoming diplomatic exchange involving H E President Yoon Suk-Yeol is not just ceremonial; it embodies the potential to elevate their bond. With Qatar’s cultural and economic strides and Korea’s technological prowess, the synergy between the two can sculpt a promising future. In conclusion, as Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and H E President Yoon convene, the underlying narrative is clear: in an era of global turbulence, middle powers like Qatar and South Korea are more pivotal than ever, not just as regional actors, but as architects of a new global paradigm.
Jungmin Seo is a professor, Department of Middle East and Africa, Graduate School of International and Area Studies in Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and a correspondent for the JoongAng Daily.
Jungmin Seo is a professor, Department of Middle East and Africa, Graduate School of International and Area Studies in Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and a correspondent for the JoongAng Daily.
