Democracy Summit Opinion Gathering Fire Chat
Western Democracy from the Global South Perspective
Colonial Guilt Clear but Persuasive Limits Evident
Korea as a Unique Case of Democratization, Growth, and Prosperity
Photo of the 'Fireside Chat for Gathering Opinions on the Democracy Summit' held at Shilla Hotel on the 20th. (Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
South Korea, as a country with the unique characteristic of having no experience of colonial rule while simultaneously achieving democratization, industrialization, and prosperity, is expected to contribute to the spread of the value of ‘democracy’ in the international community. Unlike Western democracies, which carry the ‘original sin of colonialism’ and thus struggle to appeal to global south countries, South Korea is highly attractive as a nation that has undergone rapid industrialization and democratization simultaneously.
The term global south broadly refers to emerging countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa. It is a concept contrasted with the ‘global north,’ which includes developed countries like the United States, European nations, and Japan.
At the ‘Fireside Chat’ meeting held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 20th at the State Guesthouse Shilla Hotel in Seoul to gather opinions ahead of South Korea’s ‘Democracy Summit’ scheduled for March next year, various interpretations and blueprints regarding Korean democracy were presented. The Democracy Summit was first held in 2021 under the leadership of the U.S. government to discuss responses to crises faced by the democratic camp and to seek joint measures. South Korea co-hosted the second summit held this March with the U.S., Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Zambia, and others, and plans to host the third summit alone next year.
Professor Lee Suk-jong of Sungkyunkwan University stated, “When democracy is discussed as Western democracy, it often faces opposition from the global south due to the original sin of colonialism,” adding, “(In contrast) South Korea’s statements, as a country without imperialist experience, have influence from a different perspective.” He also diagnosed that “there is a need for both the government and civil society to participate in institutionalizing anti-corruption.”
Professor Seo Chang-rok of Korea University emphasized the universal value of ‘human rights’ as much as ‘democracy.’ He pointed out that the term democracy is often misused to justify dictatorship. He said, “Many countries participate in treaty organizations, and none deny universal human rights. The focus should be on human rights.” Professor Ahn Jun-mo of Korea University said, “Although there are concerns about balancing growth and democracy, South Korea is a highly receptive country,” adding, “Various (democracy) models emerge, and among them, good models become standardized through a repetitive process. Democracy models should be viewed from that perspective.”
Professor Yoo Hyun-seok of Kyung Hee University remarked, “Public diplomacy requires assets different from traditional diplomacy, contributing to the other country’s public in terms of diplomacy, culture, and knowledge,” and added, “There is a consensus that South Korea is a country that can contribute globally as democracy advances, which is why it has taken on the role of hosting next year’s ‘Democracy Summit.’”
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Kwon Ki-hwan, Director-General for Multilateral Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Today, liberal democracy faces various challenges such as war and peace violations, human rights issues, poverty and marginalization, and the spread of extremism,” and added, “Amid these challenges, South Korea, as a country that has achieved unprecedented economic growth after the war, will continue to make responsible contributions to the international community.”
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