December 29, 2023

Seoul Stepping Up: South Korea as a Non-Permanent UN Security Council Member

For two years, South Korea's leaders have aspired to make their country a “global pivotal state.” Starting in January, they have a major opportunity to do just that. On January 1, 2023, South Korea will become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2024-25 term.

Washington should continue to support South Korea’s global aspirations, especially taking advantage of recent progress made towards trilateral cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

It’s only the third time that the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been elected to the role, following its previous terms from 1996-97 and 2013-14. Seoul should take advantage of this time on the Security Council to strengthen the country’s role as an active member of the international community. As one of the strongest democracies in the world and a core strategic ally for Washington, it is also in the United States’ interest for the ROK to do so.

Read the full article from The Messenger.

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