수교 이전의 10년: 냉전기 한국-싱가포르 외교관계 수립 과정과 쟁점(1965-1975)

초록

This study analyzes the decade-long diplomatic formation between Korea and Singapore—from Singapore’s independence in 1965 to their establishment of formal relations in 1975—within the structural framework of the Cold War. Focusing on Singapore’s non-aligned and pragmatic diplomacy and Korea’s dual pursuit of security and economic growth, it examines primary sources such as diplomatic documents from the National Archives of Korea and The Straits Times of Singapore. The findings suggest that the ten years preceding official recognition were not a mere preparatory stage but a formative period in which newly independent small and medium-sized states combined autonomy and pragmatism to create diplomatic space within the Cold War order. Singapore’s “economy-first diplomacy” and Korea’s “political-centered, economically complementary” approach reveal distinct yet convergent modes of realist foreign policy. By transcending great-power–centered narratives, this study restores the networked interactions among small states and re-positions Korea–Singapore relations as a “laboratory of small-state diplomacy.” It argues that the Cold War was not only a confrontation between superpowers but also a dynamic arena where emerging nations negotiated survival through pragmatism and strategic balance. This research thus contributes to understanding of Asia’s multi-layered diplomatic landscape.

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