Chapter Thirteen
Beyond Ambiguity: Operationalizing South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
Lami Kim
The difference between a good strategy and a bad one is often the quality of its assumptions.
— Richard Rumelt, Good Strategy Bad Strategy, 2011
Abstract
In an era of escalating U.S.-China rivalry and the war in Ukraine, South Korea’s traditional strategy of “strategic ambiguity” is facing growing challenges. This chapter examines South Korea’s shift from strategic ambiguity to clarity in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, driven by these geopolitical tensions and China’s increasing assertiveness. It analyzes the factors that have eroded the benefits of ambiguity and explores the opportunities and challenges associated with South Korea’s new approach to regional engagement. The chapter also assesses the potential impact of domestic politics on the strategy’s sustainability, highlighting the importance of public support and policy continuity for its success.
