International Kimchi Buffet Party (ASEAN, South Korea, and the Youth in International Relations)

In an online international community board that I frequently visit, there is this certain personal thread which spanned fifty pages and it all started on the simple topic of pairing different members of Korean pop culture icons with one another. What started as a simple exchange between three bored users caught the interests of another four until the thread moved fast and other people joined in. Eleven months after the thread started, we have long moved away from the original topic of the thread itself and along with it, established a familiar and relatively closer relationship with those who were actively participating in the discussion.

It did not come as a surprise when I learned that of the eleven most active participants, we had filled out all positions of each Southeast Asian country with the exception of Cambodia and Laos. Though our communication is limited only within the parameters of our computer monitors and the signal bars on our internet connections, I can say that the relationships I have built with my online friends have rightfully reached the level of how I interact with my close circle of friends in the 'real' world. The maxim of how technology has deduced everything into one global village has never rang truer in my ears.

Just like personal relationships, interstate kinship does not happen overnight. It takes years and it needs the fundamental concept of mutual trust and understanding for it to last. In the case of ASEAN, its success lies on the fact that the member countries share a lot of similarities. They are of the same region, sharing common traditions, of same economic standing, and working together towards the same goals. There is no hegemonic state prior to its establishment which is why it was easier for them to trust each other and move forward together. Though some scholars may argue that the premise of the creation of the ASEAN is to prevent hostilities between Southeast Asian nations, the fact that the different states comprising the said body were able to compromise, form a multilateral agreement benefiting all the states involved, and work together peacefully for forty years now, say a lot about the established network and strong sense of regional integration that has been inculcated into the organization after years of working together.

Though they do not share the same economic supremacy as their wealthier East Asian neighbors, ASEAN, considered as a single entity, is an economic powerhouse of its own. With a population reaching an approximate 8.8% of the world population, a strong production base, and a large consumer force with sufficient purchasing power, the Southeast Asian region has become a competent market by essence. Such is the strong potential Southeast Asia has that the richer East Asian nations extend a hand for dialogue and partnership with the region.

With the current economic status of China, Japan, and Korea, one may ask: why is there a need for them to establish affiliation and build ties with their neighbors? The answer to this is that, economic stability is not the sole reason to which foreign policy is pegged on. Foreign policy is a multi-faceted concept which encompasses political, social, and economical factors. In today's era where globalization is a truistic principle, it is of high importance that states secure strong alliance with other countries so as to protect their national interest. Currently, China is taking a rather aggressive strategy by asserting its influence; whereas Japan aims to woo ASEAN by continuing its community development programs in the region. With both countries using highly varied tactics, this leaves Korea in a conundrum wherein they have to reach out to ASEAN without aggravating the fierce competition already present between China and Japan. To attain this, it is necessary to take the first step by establishing multi-regional frameworks and strengthening diplomatic relations.

As aforementioned, relationships need time and effort for it to grow. In case of interstate alliances, there is an underlying and implicit need for states to be assured that there will be no hegemonic tendencies arising from its affiliates. This concept can be simplified as mutual trust. A relationship starts best when both parties are of equal standing; as the thought of having a superior and inferior status creates a concept of imbalance right at the beginning. Granting that the diverse background of states already provide unequal degree when it comes to economic status, mutual trust happens with the existence of the principle of cultural tolerance and respect. This is where the role of the youth comes in.

Nowadays, foreign- and cultural-exchange programs are popular all throughout the world. Objectives of said activities usually revolve around broadening perspectives; exploring, appreciating, and understanding different cultures; enabling participants to learn working on cross-cultural environments; and to eliminate fear and prejudice among nations. To some, this might appear as but an avenue to expand their horizons, but if one will look at it closely, foreign-exchange programs are actually one of the many ways to promote international relations between different countries. On programs such as these, it is notable how they usually target the youth.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) lists 1.8 billion young people in the world today. This translates that the youth comprise approximately 26.57% of the world's total population. In as much as heads of state put their best foot forward by strengthening their foreign policies through diplomatic ties, the mandate of a collective national mindset is a necessary step for said efforts to flourish. No matter how state leaders do their best to extend their hands, if the action itself is not mirrored by majority of the people in their respective countries, the goal for a friendlier Pan-Asian neighborhood will not be feasible. In relation to the youth, the statistics showing their large population gives a fair proof on how large of a role the youth plays in today's society. Exchange programs are directed to them because it is the young people who will play a pivotal role in achieving a state's goals in the near future.

In creating an environment where young people are trained to be open-minded, globally-competitive, and culturally sensitive, we are shaping citizens who will be assets not only to our respective states but to the international community as well. As representatives of their nations, they are coerced to act in accordance to the universal standard of what is right; and in such experience, they learn to be tolerant, goal-driven, and morally just. Such characteristics are needed in order to mold future leaders who will not only push forward the development of their respective states but also work hard to assist their Asian neighbors. This kind of mentality assures collective security and strengthens the diplomatic ties that took years in the making.

By inspiring young people to work together harmoniously without inhibitions, we take the first step in building a good foundation of a strong Pan-Asian community. Just like how a simple avenue for discussion and exchange gave me the chance to feel closely affiliated with their countries and be friends with Khansa, Nara, Mel, Arief, Dani, Mingying, Zaw Bo, Mukjil, Oanh, and Awiem May, every opportunity that will immerse the youth to a varied environment will bear fruition. As it will always goes back to the old adage of the youth being the future of the nation, the future of ASEAN and Korean cooperation lies on the hands of the youth.