South Korea is emerging as a nation that is uniquely positioned to help lead a global democratic revival at a time when democracy is increasingly under attack worldwide. Seoul's hosting of the Summer Olympics in 1988 contributed to South Korea's global recognition as a modern nation. This week's hosting of the third Summit for Democracy is indicative of South Korea's newfound desire to promote the spread of freedom globally, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and the global south.
Many emerging nations have drawn inspiration from South Korea's rise from economic ruin following the Korean War to its current status as a global powerhouse. In order to sustain the peace on the Korean Peninsula, successive Korean administrations have prioritized domestic economic growth while preserving an alliance with the US and managing relations with other regional powers.
The notion of living in a world where they had to pick between China and the United States is rejected by a large portion of the global south. In this regard, the Korean model is one that should be imitated: a non-Western nation that has managed great power politics to attain economic prosperity in tandem with increasing political and social liberalization at home. The fact that South Korea has offered to host the Summit for Democracy highlights the critical role that non-Western democracies must play in the international arena as the need for democratic solidarity across the globe becomes increasingly pressing.
With its technological brilliance and the rise of Korean pop culture as a global phenomenon known as Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, South Korea is becoming a more formidable force on the international scene. Because of its open society, South Korea has produced cultural and technological advancements that have influenced the daily lives of countless people worldwide. K-pop and K-dramas have reached a global audience like never before, showcasing the lifestyle that is achievable in modern South Korea. As a result, the country's liberties are probably seen favorably by viewers throughout the world.e.
According to the Global State of Democracy Initiative, throughout the past five years, at least one democracy indicator has declined in half of the world's nations. In the meantime, authoritarian nations are utilizing the international system to their advantage, supporting and learning from one another. Initiating a global system that protects people's freedoms is a responsibility that falls to Democratic leaders. And nations outside of the United States and Europe must take the lead in promoting democracy if it is to flourish on a global scale.
Yoon has issued a warning, stating that "we are facing grave challenges and serious challenges around the world that threaten the freedom and democracy we have built through sweat and sacrifice." Democracies have the chance to show that they are unified in their defense of democracy by participating in the Summit for Democracy. As the host nation, South Korea sends a clear message to those who still reject democracy on the grounds that it is Western and so incompatible with other principles. The leadership of South Korea is able to negotiate these shoals for nations who wish to stay neutral in the face of international concerns.
Global south proponents of democracy find resonance in South Korea's own historical trajectory. In 1987, the people of Korea overthrew their dictatorship and allowed for a smooth transition of their nation into a liberal democracy. Because of this "homegrown democracy," which upholds the rule of law, safeguards property rights, and promotes the freedom of expression so essential to the creative industries, Seoul has been able to thrive economically and innovately, contributing to the Korean Wave. Because of all of this, the nation's decision to hold the summit has the ability to shift the game.
Now that South Korea is taking the lead in bolstering the democratic infrastructure around the world, the nations that have been at the forefront of democratic leadership ought to support it. This entails utilizing the Summit for Democracy to convey to the government and people of Korea that the world applauds their ambition and anticipates the summit putting these goals into practice. While South Korea will blaze its own trail to leadership in the region and beyond, other democracies can offer invaluable support along the road.
Already, South Korea has a thriving market economy and an amazing democracy. It can build on these successes to become the leader of democracy in the world. The Korean Wave might one day be recognized for promoting a more democratic society in addition to its cultural capital.
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Seoul can demonstrate that the Korean model is one that should be imitated as it hosts the Summit for Democracy.
