MINI-MULTILATERALISM IN NORTHEAST ASIA: IMPLICATIONS FROM EUROPE AND ITS ROLE IN RESOLVING KOREAN PENINSULA ISSUES

Abstract

Northeast Asian nations, including the critical historical fulcrum of the Korean Peninsula, must prioritize regional cooperation and trust-building to achieve their maximum regional and global potential. Through the study of four stages of regional growth, a roadmap towards integration that's contextualized within the unique socio-political dynamics of Northeast Asia is provided. Mini-multilateralism has historical relevance for the Korean Peninsula whose complexities and sensibilities arising from the peninsula's divided past underscore the need for a strategy that supports smaller, more focused multilateral engagements. These engagements could provide a platform for resolving ongoing tensions while fostering regional cooperation, ultimately contributing to the construction of a secure Northeast Asia. The examination of historical incidents, particularly those related to the Korean Peninsula, shows the immense potential of mini-multilateralism as a strategy for advancing regional stability, building trust, and promoting cooperation. As such, the implications drawn from European experiences serve as lessons for Northeast Asia and particularly for resolving issues related to Korean history and its future.