Australia's Multilateral Security Initiative and a Case Study of the ROK-Australia Security Cooperation

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study analyzes the Australia's initiative to establish a multilateral security cooperation framework in the Asia-Pacific region in the 1990s and explores its implications for the current security situation in Northeast Asia. The initiative, proposed in response to the changing international order after the end of the Cold War, was an attempt to apply the CSCE(Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe) model to Asia.
Based on constructivism, this paper examines Australia's efforts in terms of norm formation and diffusion, trust-building through interaction, institutionalization of norms, and re-conceptualization of ideas. It also explores the feasibility of multilateral security cooperation in Asia, particularly through the case of security cooperation between the ROK(Republic of Korea) and Australia. Australia’s initiative contributed to invigorating discussions on multilateral security cooperation in Asia and disseminating international norms, such as the commitment to arms control and disarmament. However, it faced limitations due to the clash of strategic interests in Asia among major powers, notably the United States and China, reflects the competing priorities and geopolitical agendas in the region. Insufficient consideration of regional particularities was another main cause why the initiative has not yet been accomplished.
Notwithstanding, this study highlights the necessity of multilateral cooperation in the current security context in Northeast Asia. This is because non-traditional security threats can serve as an opportunity for regional states to enhance security cooperation. If trust is built through cooperation, it will provide another opportunity to expand into military domains such as arms control and reducing military threats.