South Korea gets closer to NATO in the Indo-Pacific

South Korea’s traditional security concerns have primarily centered on addressing immediate regional challenges, particularly the persistent threat posed by North Korea, within the framework of its longstanding alliance with the United States. However, recent developments suggest a strategic expansion of Seoul’s diplomatic and security objectives, as it seeks to engage more actively with international organizations such as NATO and other key regional actors like India and Australia.

This shift reflects South Korea’s recognition of the necessity for a more diversified security posture in response to an increasingly complex and interconnected geopolitical environment, signaling a significant evolution in its approach to both regional and global security dynamics.

In July 2023, South Korea’s participation in the NATO summit held in Washington marked its third consecutive invitation as an Indo-Pacific partner, alongside Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

This involvement underscores a profound shift in South Korea’s security policy, which for over 75 years had been predominantly focused on its bilateral alliance with the United States. Historically, this relationship was considered sufficient to ensure South Korea’s security and maintain regional stability, leading Seoul to rely on the US as its primary defense guarantor without actively pursuing additional security partnerships.

However, South Korea’s strategic outlook is undergoing a significant transformation in response to the evolving regional security landscape. The rise of China’s military capabilities, North Korea’s advancing nuclear weapons program and the increasing military cooperation among China, Russia and North Korea have collectively prompted Seoul to reassess