30 December 2011

Russia’s 'Return' to Asia: How Should South Korea Respond?

This brief looks at the impact of Russia’s re-engagement in Northeast Asia, especially with North Korea, and considers how South Korea should respond. The author argues that North Korea needs Russia to diffuse its excessive reliance on China and to secure economic support, while Russia wants to revitalize its relationship with North Korea to restore its influence in Asia. South Korea should motivate and utilize Russia’s role in building a network in the region and think about the strategic function of trilateral cooperation between Moscow, Pyongyang and Seoul. The Trans-Korea Gas Pipeline Project could become the trigger for political changes in the region.

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