Jay-Kwon Park Master’s

Jay-Kwon Park successfully defended his master’s thesis, “Projecting South Korea’s Future as a Middle Power in the Arctic,” on December 6, 2017. His thesis analyzes South Korea’s efforts to use its status as a middle power to have a greater influence in international relations. Using Canada as one of the examples of how the Arctic Council has provided a venue for middle powers, Jay-Kwon goes beyond the popular view that South Korea is driven by economic interests in the Arctic, arguing that its many activities, particularly in enhancing relations with Arctic indigenous peoples, puts South Korea in a unique category. Vincent Gallucci, former faculty director of Canadian Studies, and Nadine Fabbi served as chair and committee member, respectively.