Abstract :
Over the past few decades, cooperation between Korea and Japan has increased
and deepened, but frictions continue to persist. Which direction is the relationship
between Korea and Japan heading? This is the question that this article attempts to
address.
From an analytical standpoint, this article applies contemporary international
relations theories − realism, liberalism, and constructivism − to the pattern of
cooperation and conflict inKorea−Japan relations.After reviewing both optimistic and
pessimistic positions drawn from diverse perspectives, the author makes a synthesis,
where he suggests the case for cautious optimism.
What we find in reality is long-termprogress in an upwardmovement, interrupted
by recurring frictions in the short term. Empirical evidence supports the case that
Korea−Japan relations are making steady progress towards deeper, heightened, and
multilayered cooperation.However, such issues as historical controversy and territorial
disputes are the hurdles that both nations need to overcome.Whether Korea and Japan
can maximize the effects of optimism, while they effectively minimize the impacts of
pessimism will determine the nature of the ties between the two countries.
Cooperation between the two countries is not necessarily guaranteed, but we find
irreversible trends of improved cooperation over time. However, lingering suspicions,
submerged nationalist sentiments, and sporadic surges of extremism remain. They
should be carefully managed by the leaders of the two countries.
