러시아와 신동북아 문화권

Abstract

This paper is to consider current pressing issues in setting up New North East Asia Culture concept. Today, conflicts among countries in North East Asia are too intense to establish New North East Asia Culture involving China, Japan, Korea and Russia. As they have a different view toward each territory, their position on such issues as missile defense and North Korea’s nuclear problem also varies, which may seriously hampers New North East Asia Culture. Therefore, the countries in North East Asia need to respond to U.S. missile defense system and North Korea nuclear problem in a long-term and forward-looking manner. And, as we can see in the relationship between China and Russia, what it appears in North East Asian countries’ friendship is different what lies within. And I started my research to find out whether it’s possible to include Russia into New North East Asia Culture. But, in the end, I cannot help but doubt whether Korea can be included in New North East Asia Culture, when it’s created. In terms of New North East Asia Culture, it will be obvious to Russia that the Far Est should be the geographic center. As for future prospects of its exchange with Korea, it’s very promising, for example establishing peace in North East Asia, reunifying North & South Koreas, securing resources in the Far Est, setting up logistics linkage to Europe, etc. But, among four main parties of New North East Asia Culture, only Russia, Japan and China except for Korea are very active in cooperation in culture, economy and politics at both public and private levels. Therefore, if Russia’s interest in Korea is far less than China and Japan, then it’s quite doubtful of Korea’s future role and position in this new North East Asia region. In addition, it’s very problematic that Korea is not duly considered in North Korea’s nuclear issue and military force competition. If Korea has just marginal influence over not only cultural, economic and political areas but also diplomatic and military areas which usually draws immediate response, then Korea will be simply dragged by other countries in New North East Asia. That’s why Korea needs to make a wise and practical decision, as it is sandwiched between Japan and the U.S. in the maritime field and between China and Russia in the land area. In addition, to solve the facing challenges, Korea should work hard and come up with policy to strengthen its exchange relationship with Russia, which is far lacking.