Changing Security Environment in Northeast Asia and South Korea’s Security Dilemma

South Korea’s geopolitical standing in the region has been determined by how it manages its relations with regional superpowers, including the United States, China, Russia, and Japan. With U.S.-China relations quickly deteriorating, the security environment in Northeast Asia is undergoing great changes and this new environment has put South Korea in a very difficult position. South Korea’s security dilemma in the region revolves around three key issues. The first concern centers on North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile capabilities, and the diplomatic deadlock in U.S.-DPRK relations. The second challenge stems from deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China and the strategic choice that South Korea is being forced to make. Last but not least, South Korea is challenged by the status of the ROK-U.S. Alliance amidst widespread speculations that it has weakened as of late. To manage this predicament, South Korea must delicately navigate the tides while adopting policies that will benefit South Korea’s national interests in the security and economic fields. However, South Korea’s role in managing its concerns is limited and prospect for breakthrough appears dim due to its limited leverage and the differences among the regional stakeholders.