NATIONAL IDENTITY AND ONTOLOGICAL SECURITY IN SOUTH KOREA–JAPAN RELATIONS
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Authors
Bang, Daehan
Subjects
ontological security
National identity
South Korea–Japan relations
National identity
South Korea–Japan relations
Advisors
Weiner, Robert J.
Date of Issue
2022-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
South Korea and Japan are geographically adjacent, have a solid alliance with the United States, and share democratic values. However, their relations have historically been in constant hostility, and unlike Germany's case after World War II, they have not achieved genuine reconciliation. This thesis explains why South Korea and Japan persist in antagonism through ontological security theory, contributing to identifying the cause of this tension and expanding mutual understanding and cooperation. This research analyzes the South Korea–Japan relationship of confrontation through two perspectives among ontological security theories, Steele's perspective (endogenous) and Mitzen's perspective (exogenous). Furthermore, this research uses qualitative and quantitative methods such as South Korea–Japan opinion polls, opinion leader interviews, and modern East Asia history to verify the national identity and mutual national perception that cause the antagonism. This thesis confirms that first, South Korea and Japan's efforts to establish their national identities caused aversion between the two countries by undermining and threatening the national identity of the other country. Second, because the attached tensions between South Korea and Japan give each other a sense of predictability and stability, the two countries risk problems for psychological peace (ontological security) rather than seeking uncertainty by changing their relationship.
Type
Thesis
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Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.