Lee Myung-bak Government's Peace Diplomacy: Vision and Challenges

Abstract

The Lee Myung-bak government's “peace diplomacy” is geard toward the creation of a genuine “Global Korea” which can interact dynamically with global partners with corresponding visions and policy means. Although his idea of playing a positive role for peace keeping and peace building was retreating due to nationalistic backlash arising from his decision to lift a ban on importing US. beef, President Lee made it very clear that his government will increase its contributions to developing countries and seek a greater role in international peacekeeping and environmental protection efforts during his meeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on July 4, 2008. As the former CEO of Hyundai, President Lee fully understands why South Korea must be globally active and how it can be a valuable player in world affairs. President Lee wishes to strengthen Korea’s regional networks and is determined to take a leadership role in creating a focal point of discussion, debate, and action on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and human security agenda in East Asia. Yet, he leamed a hard lesson from the beef incident that gaining support from the people at home is a linchipin for conducting successful foreign policy. The question is how he channels the passion and energy of the Korean people into a driving force for solving the daunting challenges of today’s world affairs. Transforming a mindset of anti-globalism and nationalist forces at home requires his leadership skills and sound strategy.