Finding Examples
Yale University professor Paul Kennedy, who is the author of the worldwide bestseller “Rise and Fall of Great Powers,” took part in the World Knowledge Forum hosted by a local daily on Oct. 21. At the discussion session with the theme of “Mapping the Zeitgeist,” he advised that Korea, pinched between the G2, refer to the Netherlands as its role model for flexibility and adaptability.
“In view of Korea’s geopolitical destiny between the two superpowers, the Netherlands can be its role model in that the European country turned itself into a small but strong state from a semi-developed country by dint of openness and internationalization,” he said.
Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, when Protestantism and Catholicism collided with each other, the Netherlands attracted European talent and capitalists from Britain, France, Germany and the like by means of religious and social tolerance and openness to grow into a sea trade leader.
“The Netherlands and Korea are similar to each other in that both are surrounded by great powers, behaved themselves well in a sophisticated and smart way in the face of crises, cherish education, and have achieved high economic growth rates,” the professor continued, adding, “South Korea and China have maintained amicable relations for over half a century, despite the presence of North Korea and South Korea’s capability to adapt that has been obtained during the course will be a valuable asset for its future.”