New Regionalism Beyond Asia-Pacific: South Korea’s Multidimensional Approach to the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

South Korea is extending its diplomatic reach beyond Northeast Asia to diverse regions. This article examines South Korea’s engagement with the Eastern Mediterranean through the theoretical lens of new regionalism, which emphasizes multidimensional cooperation across non-contiguous regions. Despite not being a priority region in South Korean foreign policy, the Eastern Mediterranean presents an intriguing case of functional engagement driven by economic interests, energy security concerns, and strategic calculations. Türkiye and Egypt serve as compelling case studies, selected for their strategic autonomy within the region, gateway positions connecting different geographical areas, and robust bilateral relations with South Korea. Drawing on an extensive literature review and official documents, this study reveals how South Korea employs a sophisticated, sector-specific approach focused on defense cooperation, technology transfer, and infrastructure development to build meaningful cross-regional relationships. Our findings demonstrate that South Korea’s Eastern Mediterranean engagement illustrates its maturation as a middle power capable of navigating complex regional dynamics while pursuing functional interests beyond its immediate neighborhood. By examining how a non-Western middle power constructs relationships with non-priority regions, this study contributes to broader theoretical discussions about new regionalism, middle power diplomacy, and the evolving nature of cross-regional engagement in contemporary international relations.

Keywords

Foreign Policy, Türkiye, Egypt, Middle Power, Defense and economic cooperation

Citation

Hatice Çelik, Joosung Lee ve Vuslat Nur Şahin Temel, “New Regionalism Beyond Asia-Pacific: South Korea’s Multidimensional Approach to the Eastern Mediterranean”, Uluslararası İlişkiler, Online First Article, 3 Ekim 2025, s. 1–20. DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.1795937.

Affiliations

Hatice ÇELİK Associate Professor, Department of Asian Studies, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Ankara E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0003-1409-8865

Joosong LEE Research Professor, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0002-8268-8595

Vuslat Nur ŞAHİN TEMEL Assistant Professor, Department of Asian Studies, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Ankara & Visiting Scholar, Waseda University, Tokyo E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0001-6794-6579