An Inquiry into the Limits of ‘Economic Diplomacy’

The Relationship between the EU, South Korea and Japan

Abstract

In this contribution, the limits of economic diplomacy take centre stage. Notwithstanding the initial reluctance of South Korea and Japan to conclude Strategic Partnership agreements with the EU (in addition to a Free Trade Agreement), both kinds of agreements are now in operation. The successful spill-over from trade relations to political and even security relations is due to the changing geopolitical climate in East Asia. Although the EU is trying to become strategically more autonomous, many small and concrete steps will be needed before economic diplomacy may be used in politically and securitywise sensitive issues.