Park, Min Hyoung

Abstract
This research focuses on the concept of cooperative security systems. Unlike a collective security system which assumes that bilateral relations make the system vulnerable and problematic, a cooperative security system does not. In other words, a cooperative security system can be compatible with an alliance system. Thus this study will expand on the notion that vulnerable states in asymmetric alliances have to pursue multi-directional security strategies including bilateral alliances and cooperative security systems in order to decrease their dependency on another’s security guarantees. Thus, the research tries to examine the characteristics of the cooperative security system, the possibility of the system in Northeast Asia, and the ROK’s strategies for such a system. A multilateral security regime would increase peace and stability in the Northeast Asian region by offering a high level of policy coordination, close communication and diplomatic synchronization. Even though it remains true that to form cooperative security system requires strong and continual effort and a highly organized institutional set up, it can nevertheless result in multi-directional cooperation and interdependency once it is established and strategically managed effectively. In addition, as mentioned above, cooperative security systems are compatible with the bilateral approaches which have been the dominant modality in Northeast Asia since the end of World War II. Thus, they can provide a strong supplementary strategy in regional politics.
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