National role conceptions in the 'global Korea' foreign policy strategy

This article analyses the ‘Global Korea’ foreign policy strategy using the role theory framework of foreign policy analysis. A number of roles held by foreign policy makers form the ‘national role conception’ which describes the shared understanding concerning the proper role and purpose of a nation as a player in the international arena. These roles are affected by the expectations of the international system with its underlying norms as well as domestic interpretations of such norms. Domestic trends and socialization also contribute to the national role conception. I identify the national role conception of Korean foreign policy makers and the influences on the recent changes in their conception. The study explores how the actors interpret and perceive the functions and roles national foreign policy fulfills. (The rest omitted)