Dead comment in this thread with apt observation: >Firstly, you can't be a "power" if you are occupied. You are a vassal, nothing more. SK (also JP and TW), a

Dead comment in this thread with apt observation: >Firstly, you can't be a "power" if you are occupied. You are a vassal, nothing more. SK (also JP and TW), as nominal American satraps, with their political existence underpinned by American security commitments, will have problems exporting synthesized east/west liberal models because others in the region without suchy commitments are driven by desire for security first and foremost. Usually that means suppressing liberal values / sources of foreign influence. A nation who can't defend itself is going to have hardtime being a role model, it's like a trust fund kid lecturing to others about bootstraps. The author’s affiliation in specific SK ministries and submission from nationalinterest also should give readers pause. That said, SK is making some interesting pivots into military industrial complex. There's sufficient technological expertise and heavy industry that I can see them being a credible middle power model if they took lead on self-defense and distance appearance of being a US "vassal". Sending forces to Hormuz to secure oil route after Iran drama is also a good start.