Germany and Europe’s political divide: a lesson for the Korea?

European dynamics offer an intriguing parallel when we consider the future of the Korean Peninsula.

Europe’s political landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic. A striking feature is the enduring East-West divide, not merely in geography but in ideology. In Western Europe, political currents tend to be more left-leaning, favoring social progressivism, multilateral cooperation, and a moralistic approach to foreign policy. Eastern Europe, in contrast, often leans right, emphasizing national sovereignty, economic pragmatism, and a cold, hard realism when dealing with external threats and alliances.

This division has deep historical roots. Western European nations, having largely escaped the scars of Soviet domination, have cultivated a political culture that prizes liberal democracy, human rights, and international cooperation. Their foreign policies are frequently guided by moral imperatives—promoting democracy abroad, advocating for humanitarian interventions, and upholding a rules-based international order. In essence, the West often views international relations through an ethical l…