Between the ‘Free World’ and authoritarian countries

May 2, 2024

SEOUL – Today, we are witnessing a sharp confrontation between authoritarian countries and democratic countries. It is like deja-vu for those of us who recollect the clashes between Communist countries and the “Free World” after World War II. Authoritarian countries have a nostalgic longing for their glorious past and dream of recovering their former power and territories. The democratic countries try to stop them from invading other countries and promote peaceful coexistence instead.

South Korea is a democratic country and has to join the Free World to deter the authoritarian countries’ belligerent political ambitions. The problem is that three major authoritarian countries are neighbors with South Korea. If you are not on good terms with your neighbors, you will be uneasy due to their geographical proximity. If you encounter your neighbors frequently and have to turn away from their hostility, it will make you feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Some people argue that we should maintain a good relationship with the authoritarian countries while strengthening our ties with the democratic countries. Everybody knows it and no one can deny the necessity of it. The problem is “How?”

They say that it is not “impossible.“ Yet, no one has ever come up with any specific ideas yet because, in reality, it is “not possible.” If we take the side of the democratic countries, we cannot be on good terms with the authoritarian countries. That is South Korea’s dilemma. Indeed, we are living in hard times.

If we do not take sides and sway between the two groups of countries, we would be condemned as opportunists and eventually lose trust and respect from both sides. The world demands us to choose one of the two and act