Korean Perception on Defense Cooperation with Japan

Abstract

The Republic of Korea and Japan are two most important security allies of the United States in East Asia, yet they lack substantial defense cooperation between each other. This thesis looks at the current condition of defense cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Japan and possible area of improvement in the future. Based on the quasi-alliance model, this thesis introduces the capabilities complementary model to explain what is necessary for bilateral defense cooperation. Ultimately, these quasi-allies will only enhance defense cooperation if the Republic of Korea feels its security is scarce and the Japanese capability is compatible to its own.