South Korea's phenomenal rise has been studied extensively by political scientists and economists both in terms of its impact on democratisation and as a role model for economic development. Yet little attention has been devoted to exploring the nexus between economic development and foreign policy. In South Korea's Rise, Uk Heo and Terence Roehrig propose a new theoretical framework to illustrate how an increase in a country's economic prosperity can bring about change to its foreign policy, prompting greater involvement in the international system, the transition to democracy, an expanded set of interests and increased tools to pursue its foreign policy goals. As a rising middle power, analysis of South Korea's foreign policy is crucial to our understanding of the power structure and future relations in East Asia. This is essential reading for all students and scholars with an interest in Asia, foreign policy and global economics.

‘The scholarly and policy interest in Korea only grows as Korea's footprint on the global stage enlarges in trade, security, and transnational politics. The volume by Heo and Roehrig is a welcome addition to the field and will go a long way to satiate the thirst for scholarly and practical inquiry of Korea.’

Victor Cha - Georgetown University, Washington DC

‘No one can be considered an expert on international politics without understanding the dynamics of the Pacific Rim; no one can understand the Pacific Rim without confronting the meteoric, nearly miraculous rise of South Korea; and no one can understand South Korea’s rise without reading this book. Quite simply the best analysis of an amazing story, and of its implications for twenty-first century politics and security.’

Christopher J. Fettweis - Tulane University

‘This book offers a comprehensive analysis of South Korea’s growing role in the international community that reflects its enhanced power and status. It is a must read for those who wish to understand the complex and evolving relationship between economic development and foreign policy in Korea.’

Gi-Wook Shin - Stanford University

‘In the space of less than five decades, South Korea’s economic growth has propelled not only its domestic democratization but also expanded the scope of its foreign relations from an obscure, small-scale follower to a country that has joined the ranks of leadership in the international community. This book fills a notable gap in the literature on South Korea by examining the origins, drivers, and effects of the flowering of South Korea’s foreign policy that resulted from the country’s economic modernization. The book clearly explains the significance of the shift from consumer to producer of international public goods that has enabled South Korea to develop a truly global foreign policy.’

Scott Snyder - Founder and Former Director, Center for US-Korea Policy

'… a coherent, structured and well-researched volume which offers a distinct contribution to these areas of study. The use of a theoretical framework throughout the book is particularly effective in this regard. As such, this book is poised to become a major contribution to discussions about South Korea’s role in international relations and as a middle power.'

Ramon Pacheco Pardo Source: International Affairs