Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gbm5v Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T00:32:57.463Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

An unlikely partnership? New Zealand–South Korea bilateral cooperation and Antarctic order

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2021

Patrick Flamm Open the ORCID record for Patrick Flamm [Opens in a new window]
Patrick Flamm*
Affiliation:
School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka, Wellington, New Zealand
*
Author for correspondence: Patrick Flamm, Email: [email protected]
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

While the Antarctic Treaty System intended to keep Antarctica an area of international cooperation and science free from militarisation and international conflict, the region has not been completely shielded from global power transitions, such as decolonisation and the end of the Cold War. Presently, emerging countries from Asia are increasingly willing to invest in polar infrastructure and science on the back of their growing influence in world politics. South Korea has also invested heavily in its Antarctic infrastructure and capabilities recently and has been identified as an actor with economic and political interests that are potentially challenging for the existing Antarctic order. This article first assesses the extent and performance of the growing bilateral cooperation between South Korea and one of its closest partners, New Zealand, a country with strong vested interests in the status quo order. How did the cooperation develop between these two actors with ostensibly diverging interests? This article finds that what may have been a friction–laden relationship, actually developed into a win-win partnership for both countries. The article then moves on to offer an explanation for how this productive relationship was made possible by utilising a mutual socialisation approach that explores socio-structural processes around status accommodation.

Keywords

Antarctic Treaty SystemRising powersNew ZealandSouth KoreaInternational Relations
Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 57 , 2021 , e4
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

References

Acharya, A. (2004). How ideas spread: Whose norms matter? Norm localization and institutional change in Asian regionalism. International Organization, 58(2), 239–275.Google Scholar
Alagappa, M. (2003). The study of international order: An analytical framework. In Alagappa, M. (Ed.), Asian security order: Instrumental and normative features (pp. 33–69). Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.Google Scholar
Antarctic Secretariat Programme. (2019). ATCM XLII Final Report, Appendix 2, Contribution Scale FY 2020/21. Retrieved from https://www.ats.aq/devAS/Meetings/Measure/696 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Antarctica New Zealand (2014). Korean Antarctic Programme opens office in Christchurch. Retrieved from https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1411/S00006/korean-antarctic-programme-opens-office-in-christchurch.htm (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Barnett, M., & Duvall, R. (2005). Power in international politics. International Organization, 59(1), 39–75.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Barros-Platiau, A., Costa de Oliveira, C., Lima Moraes, G., & Mazzega, P. (2019). Bioprospecting in Antarctica: Obligations and challenges. In Liu, N., Brooks, C. M., & Qin, T. (Eds.), Governing marine living resources in the polar regions (pp. 177–195). Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishing.Google Scholar
Beck, P. (1986). The international politics of Antarctica. London, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia: Croom Helm.Google Scholar
Bergin, A., & Press, T. (2020, 27 April). We can’t just go with the floe in Antarctica. The Australian. Retrieved from https://www.aspi.org.au/opinion/we-cant-just-go-floe-antarctica (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Brady, A.-M. (2013): Introduction: Conflict or cooperation? The emerging politics of Antarctica. In Brady, A.-M. (Ed.), The emerging politics of Antarctica (pp. 1–10). Abingdon, United Kingdom; New York, NY: Routledge.Google Scholar
Brady, A.-M. (2017). China as a polar great power. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Brady, A.-M., & Kim, S. (2013). Cool Korea: Korea’s growing Antarctic interests. In Brady, A.-M. (Ed.), The emerging politics of Antarctica (pp. 75–95). Abingdon, United Kingdom; New York, NY: Routledge.Google Scholar
Checkel, J.T. (2005). International institutions and socialization in Europe: Introduction and framework. International Organization, 59(4), 801–826.Google Scholar
Dayton, L. (2020, 27 May). How South Korea made itself a global innovation leader. Nature, 581, S54–S56. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01466-7 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Dodds, K. & Brooks, C. (2018, 20 February). Antarctic geopolitics and the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area. E-International Relations. Retrieved from https://www.e-ir.info/2018/02/20/antarctic-geopolitics-and-the-ross-sea-marine-protected-area/ (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Dudeney, J.R., & Walton, D.W.H. (2012). Leadership in politics and science within the Antarctic Treaty. Polar Research, 31(1), 1–9.Google Scholar
Environmental Protocol. Article 2. Retrieved from https://www.ats.aq/e/protocol.html (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Field, M. (2011, 18 September). Antarctic oil sets up cold war. The Press. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/5644633/Antarctic-oil-sets-up-cold-war (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Field, M. (2014, 10 February). Fishing firms lied about catches. Stuff. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9705332/Fishing-firms-lied-about-catches (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Finnemore, M., & Sikkink, K. (1998). International norm dynamics and political change. International Organization, 52(4), 887–917.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Flamm, P. (2019). South Korean identity and global foreign policy: Dream of autonomy. Abingdon, United Kingdom; New York, NY: Routledge.Google Scholar
Flockhart, T. (2006). ‘Complex socialization’: A framework for the study of state socialization. European Journal of International Relations, 12(1), 89–118.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fogarty, E. (2011). Antarctica: Assessing and protecting Australia’s national interests. Lowy Institute for International Policy Brief. Retrieved from https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/pubfiles/Fogarty%2C_Antarctica_web_1.pdf (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Global Security. (2020). HMNZS Aotearoa logistics support vessel. Retrieved from https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/nz/hmnzs-aotearoa.htm (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Hamzah, B.A. (2010). Malaysia and the Southern Ocean: Revisiting the question of Antarctica. Ocean Development & International Law, 41(2), 186–195.Google Scholar
Hemmings, A. (2010a). After the party: The hollowing of the Antarctic Treaty System and the governance of Antarctica. Symposium on Antarctic Politics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, 8–9 July. Retrieved from https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10092/13371/12656161_2010%20Hemmings%20-%20After%20the%20Party.pdf?sequence=1 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Hemmings, A. (2010b). Does bioprospecting risk moral hazard for science in the Antarctic Treaty System? Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics, 10, 5–12. Retrieved from http://www.int-res.com/articles/esep2010/10/e010p005.pdf (30 November, 2020).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hurd, I. (2008). Constructivism. In Reus-Smit, C. & Snidal, D. (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of international relations (pp. 298–316). Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Jabour, J. (2018, 31 October). Explainer: What any country can and can’t do in Antarctica, in the name of science. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-any-country-can-and-cant-do-in-antarctica-in-the-name-of-science-105858 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
KOPRI. (2010; 2017; 2019). KOPRI Annual Reports 2010, 2017, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.kopri.re.kr/eng/html/comm/050303.html (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Korea Herald . (2019, 20 September). S. Korea named illegal fishing country by US. Retrieved from http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190920000074 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Maritime Executive . (2019, 21 December). South Korea’s Fisheries Laws Improve. Retrieved from https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/south-korea-s-fisheries-laws-improve (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. (2015, 9 February). MBIE supports NZ-Korea research collaboration. Press Release. Retrieved from https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1502/S00092/mbie-supports-nz-korea-research-collaboration.htm (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Ministry of Defence. (2018). Strategic Defence Policy Statement 2018. Retrieved from https://defence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/8958486b29/Strategic-Defence-Policy-Statement-2018.pdf (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Ministry of Defence. (2019). New Zealand Defence Capability Plan 2019. Retrieved from https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/03acb8c6aa/Defence-Capability-Plan-2019.pdf (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2012). Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the Republic of Korea on Antarctic Cooperation. Retrieved from https://www.treaties.mfat.govt.nz//search/details/t/3758/260 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (n.d.). The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area. Retrieved from https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/environment/antarctica/ross-sea-region-marine-protected-area (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Mussen, D. (2012, 14 January). Danger and death in the south’s cruel seas. The Press. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6255575/Danger-and-death-in-the-souths-cruel-seas (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Naylor, T. (2018). Social closure and international society: Status groups from the family of civilised nations to the G20. Abingdon, United Kingdom; New York, NY: Routledge.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pu, X. (2012). Socialization as a two-way process: Emerging powers and the diffusion of international norms. Chinese Journal of International Politics, 5, 341–367.Google Scholar
Republic of Korea ATCM Delegation. (2018). Korea’s 3rd basic plan for the promotion of research activities in Antarctica (2017–2022). ATCM 41 IP 13. Buenos Aires, 29 March. Retrieved from https://documents.ats.aq/ATCM41/ip/ATCM41_ip013_e.doc (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Romero, S. (2015, 29 December). Countries rush for upper hand in Antarctica. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/12/29/world/countries-rush-for-upper-hand-antarctica.html (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Terhalle, M. (2011). Reciprocal socialization: Rising powers and the west. International Studies Perspectives, 12, 341–361.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thies, C.G. (2001). A social psychological approach to enduring rivalries. Political Psychology, 2(4), 693–725.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thies, C.G. (2015). China’s rise and the socialisation of rising powers. The Chinese Journal of International Politics, 8(3), 281–300.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thomas, K. (2014, 13 October). Korea’s fishing crime wave. Greenpeace. Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/koreas-fishing-crime-wave/ (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Turner, A. (2012, 16 May). NZ to launch research project in Antarctic. Stuff. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/editors-picks/6931131/NZ-to-launch-research-project-in-Antarctic (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
University of Waikato. (2015, 19 February). Antarctic research to benefit from MBIE funding for NZ–Korea collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.waikato.ac.nz/news-opinion/media/2015/antarctic-research-to-benefit-from-mbie-funding-for-nz-korea-collaboration (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Urbina, I. (2019, 12 September). Ship of horrors: Life and death on the lawless high seas. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/12/ship-of-horrors-deep-sea-fishing-oyang-70-new-zealand (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
van der Watt, L.-M. (2013). Return to Gondwanaland: South Africa, Antarctica, minerals and apartheid. The Polar Journal, 3(1), 72–93.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ward, S. (2019). Status, stratified rights, and accommodation in International Relations, Journal of Global Security Studies, 5(1), 160–178.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wehner, L. (2017). Emerging powers in foreign policy. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. Retrieved from https://oxfordre.com/politics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228637-e-363 (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar
Wiener, A. (2014). A theory of contestation. Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Young, O.R. (2016). Governing the antipodes: International cooperation in Antarctica and the Arctic. Polar Record, 52(2), 230–238.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yozell, S., & Shaver, A. (2019). Shining a light: The need for transparency across distant water fishing. Stimson Center Report. Retrieved from https://www.stimson.org/wp-content/files/file-attachments/Stimson%20Distant%20Water%20Fishing%20Report.pdf (30 November, 2020).Google Scholar

Interviews

Interview with CCAMLR and Antarctica Desk Officer, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in Wellington, June 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with KOPRI biologist I in Incheon, September 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with KOPRI biologist II in Incheon, September 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with KOPRI oceanographer in Incheon, September 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with KOPRI paleo-climatologist in Incheon, September 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with KOPRI Policy Unit in Incheon, September 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with K-route Unit in Incheon, September 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with NZ geologist in Wellington, June 2018.Google Scholar
Interview with NZ oceanographer in Wellington, February 2019.Google Scholar