Time to break out of the political logjam

We can overcome the grave challenges and ascend to a central role in the global order when politics break out of the stalemate of division and pivot to a the leadership of harmony and compromise fit for the digital age.

Cho Yoon-jeThe author is a special appointment professor at Yonsei University School of Economics. South Korea is an extraordinary case in many aspects from an international perspective. It has achieved industrialization and democratization over an unprecedented short period of time. Older Koreans have lived through extreme poverty, middle-income and developed economies within their lifespan, an unusual feat in the history of the world. The country has survived bisection upon becoming independent from a colonial rule, war, coups, reconstruction, industrialization, democratization, vigil protests and presidential impeachment across seven decades.

Once dependent on foreign aid for more than half of its fiscal spending, Korea has ascended to one of the world’s five manufacturing powerhouses, is sixth in AI technologies and a member of G10 rich nations. It has become a poster child for a superfast rags-to-riches transformation for development agencies, including the World Bank. Boasting the world’s highest enrollment in tertiary education, South Koreans excel in many fields for their exceptional intelligence and talents.

The brighter the light, the darker the shadow. Korea encompasses all the problems and challenges modern humanity faces in an epic and abysmal scope — an ultra-low birthrate, fast aging and economic inequity fanning epidemic-like division, rage and distrust. Korea ranks No. 2 in the world in per capita carbon emissions and No. 3 in plastic wastes, which are blamed for climate change and makes the country liable for greater role in mitigating pollution and transitioning to carbon neutrality. Social conflict and distrust levels in the country are highest among OECD countries, and its fertility trajectory is the worst in human history. Its aging pace is faster than Japan. The population concentration in the capital region and suicide rate are amongst the highest in the OECD.

Korea stands at the eye of a brewing storm in the global order. The intensifying rivalry between the U.S. and China, the resurgence of a neo-Cold War order and the regression of multilateralism can be more harmful for Korea than any other countries. We are surrounded by three nuclear powers — the U.S., China and Russia — and North Korea’s nuclear buildup may trigger a nuclear arms race in the region. The legacies of the imperial and Cold War periods live on to fixate the two-Korea status quo and an internal rudderless acrimony. Korea is home to the world’s most heavily fortified border. The country no longer benefiting from a free trade order, globalization in supply chains and rapid Chinese growth is forced to trudge downhill.

Korea was able to prosper on democracy and a market economy under the patronage of the U.S. alliance. But the United States today is too busy minding it own problems. America’s iconic puritan civic ethics and policing role and authority to uphold global peace and order have waned as inequality, immigration conflicts and the interests of the Wall Street and big industries dominate U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy. The scenario of a two-way order between the United States and China vying to line up allies to their sides can be the worst case for Korea.

But what Korea faces are universal challenges for the world. There are still opportunities and hope. If we muster the will to address the common problems that come in more onerous forms than any other countries, we could set the model in paving the way for a sustainable future and become a central player in the world. We may be able to open a new path for civilization as expounded in “The 100-year History of Korea” by Kim Jin-hyun.

But are we capable of taking up the challenge? Given our conditions, it cannot be easy. Still, Korea has a unique “can-do” gene. It also stands in a good position externally.

Korea is the only country running a Western-style free democracy while anchored on Confucian tradition. While home to a vast Christian population and being the largest sponsor of overseas Christian missionary activities, Korea peacefully blended the faiths of Confucianism, Buddhism and other religions. We may not realize it, but Korea is a melting pot that can bring forth a new model for civilization. K-culture has already proved its universal appeal. But much must be done internally. Society must grow out of enmity and narrowness and become more engaging and cooperative. People need to learn to abstain from over-consumption. We must put global interests above national ones.

The term limit of national leadership must become longer. A leader should have insight in global affairs, an ability to mediate conflict and compromise and a precise political drive to muster national energy and capabilities. Only when challenges are persistently and consistently addressed, changes can come forth.

What must come first is a constitutional amendment to overhaul the governance structure, innovate the administrative system and induce a generational shift in politics. We can overcome the grave challenges and ascend to a central role in the global order when politics break out of the stalemate of division and pivot to a the leadership of harmony and compromise fit for the digital age.

Translation by the Korea JoongAng Daily staff.