Public Preference toward the Quad in South Korea

• In Event: Great (and Small) Power Politics

Abstract

South Korea has a security alliance with the United States while its largest trading partner is China. This triangular relationship presents South Korea with difficult foreign policy choices in recent years under the shadow of U.S.-China great power competition. One of the most significant decisions South Korea is likely to face in the coming years is whether to join the Quad (the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). The Quad is widely viewed as intending to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. South Korea’s decision will not only be influenced by its relationships with both the United States and China, but also by its domestic politics, particularly public opinion. This study investigates South Korean citizens’ preferences toward the Quad and seek to shed light on the considerations behind their preferences.

Authors

• Songying Fang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Soyoung Lee, Yale University

• Xiaojun Li, University of British Columbia