Our Mission

The Korean peninsula on the front line of hegemonic competition

More than seventy years ago, the Korean peninsula witnessed firsthand a vicious war between the United States and China. And now the two most powerful states in the world continue to vie for global hegemony there as ferociously as—if not more so than—before. A renowned political scientist argues that over the past 500 years, there have been sixteen cases where a rising power challenged a declining hegemon and that twelve of those cases ended up in war. The Korean peninsula might become the site of the seventeenth case. Increasingly unstable geopolitical conditions, including the North Korean nuclear threat, cross-strait relations, and Japan’s unceasing desire for rearmament, have considerably raised the chances of nuclear war on the peninsula. Unless we change the way international politics is conducted at the most fundamental level and thereby bring the two competing powers together, we could once again find ourselves on the edge of the existential precipice as we did many decades ago.

Worsening epochal/global crises

Today the economic and military might of great powers shapes world politics, whereas international organizations like the United Nations are falling short of their stated goals and responsibilities. All states must do their part as members of the international community to build a “safer and more sustainable future.” This means we need collectively agreed-upon institutions and mechanisms, by which even the great powers are held responsible if in violation of international law and order.

Urban industrial society has brought prosperity to humanity. However, explosive population growth, mass production/consumption, and urban concentration, all brought on by the industrial revolution, have resulted in costly consequences, such as excessive consumption of energy and resources, destruction of ecosystems, and climate change. These are epochal/global challenges that require the full commitment of all states. Nonetheless, they are often overlooked because not only do the governments lack a sense of community, but they also refuse to work with each other in favor of advancing their own parochial national interests.

Consequently, arms control for nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction has seen little progress. Rather, most great powers have chosen to strengthen their military capabilities. Similarly, climate accords, lacking proper enforcement mechanisms, have produced few notable achievements. Private and national interests have taken precedent over the shared need to prevent the abuse and misuse of advanced digital and biotechnology. As a result, our world is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Moving away from “self-interest and conflict” and toward “responsibility and cooperation”

No organization or government has taken it upon itself to put an end to this crisis. Even the United States and China are too busy chasing after their own interests, falling short of their duty as responsible stakeholders of the international community. While the epochal/global challenges continue to worsen, international law and institutions that should guide our response are nowhere as effective as they should be.

The existing international institutions have clear limitations. Each state must serve as a new beacon of hope for humanity by joining in the effort to address the challenges at hand. In particular, China and the United States have the responsibility to lead such cooperative endeavors. They must put aside their hegemonic ambitions and put their heads together for the greater good. This can lead to a melding of civilizations between the East and the West, heralding the birth of a new civilization that transcends the divide between capitalism and communism, democracy and authoritarianism, liberty and equality, and Christianity and Confucianism. Right in the middle of it all lies the Korean peninsula.

Trailblazing into the future through great leaders

The Korean peninsula is encircled by the great powers. We are destined to suffer a great deal unless we make our own way. Our historical experience, as shown in the Imjin wars, the Second Manchu invasion of Korea, the Japanese colonial period, and the Korean War, unequivocally warns us that the cruel sufferings could repeat anytime. However, there are also many cases around the world where a weak group or state successfully managed to blaze a trail for itself. We need to learn from these historical cases.

At the time of its foundation some 240 years ago, the United States was in direr circumstances than Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Yet its leaders envisioned it to be a “city upon a hill” and pooled their wisdom to bring it into reality. In the end, they were able to institute a forward-looking form of governance on the basis of the US Constitution to serve the people and the businesses who would later play a central role in propelling industrial development. This is in stark contrast to what happened in Europe where revolutionary forces failed to consolidate into a stable, post-authoritarian system. The United States achieved global hegemony as well as the so-called “American dream” because thoughtfully laid-out political institutions such as regularly-held presidential elections and the separation of powers facilitated the success of its people and businesses.

Begun with just 56 members in 1921, the Chinese Communist Party paled significantly in comparison to the 5 million strong Kuomintang. Yet its leaders built their organization and ideology around the “farmers”—and not the “workers”—who constituted the majority of the Chinese population at that time. They established a communist government following the conclusion of the Chinese civil war and led China to grow into a G2 state through reforms of unprecedented scale that embraced both communism and capitalism.

Similarly, on the Korean peninsula, honorable and capable leaders should plan its future and bring it into reality. Korea needs leaders with the insight and ability to prevent national catastrophes, turn risks into opportunities, and devise solutions to global challenges. Korea yearns for leaders who have the ears of the great powers that surround it.

Great transition into a “safer and more sustainable future”

Korea needs to be among the world’s most advanced societies in order to produce a deep pool of visionary leaders and thereby spearhead global changes. We must move away from simply imitating the ways of the West and toward envisioning and creating a society that melds the best of both the East and the West. We must foster technological and industrial development and introduce products that will become indispensable in the future. Finally, we must strive to excel in each of the core areas of society, such as higher education, think tanks, businesses, media, government, political parties, and military.

Additionally, we must elect into office only those who possess in-depth knowledge of “urban, national, and global management” and the insight and drive for the future. We should constantly try to improve their ethical standards and capabilities through critical assessment. Korea will not be seen as an advanced society until elected officials are properly trained, the core areas of society gain a competitive edge, and the industries essential for the future receive the full, necessary support.

Once this foundational work is complete, the kind of leaders who can turn “self-interest and conflict” into “responsibility and cooperation” will be able to make even greater contributions to building a “safer and more sustainable future.” It is through these leaders that the world will be transformed over the coming years. As a first step, it is imperative to initiate practical changes by bringing together the world’s two most powerful states, the United States and China. Other states will follow suit once they are presented with well thought-out proposals that draw upon a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom from around the world. Korea has the capacity and obligation to lead this great transition to surmount its own challenges and undertake the epochal/global tasks.

Taejae, a cradle and home to future leaders

We are in need of gifted individuals who are committed to the life-long mission of bettering the future of humanity. As a cradle for these future leaders, Taejae will seek out solutions to turn the risk of human extinction into an opportunity for co-existence. We will extend the dynamic energy of the Korean peninsula and of Asia across the globe and build a “safer and more sustainable future.” It may seem nothing short of impossible, but Taejae will help nurture the leaders who will make it happen.

Taejae promises to be a home to these leaders who willingly and boldly attempt to pave a path forward for Korea and solve the epochal/global challenges. Taejae promises to be a reservoir that stores up the fruits of their meticulous work. We will thus contribute to not only overcoming crises, but also creating a future that humanity longs for.

Taejae’s journey will be long and bumpy, but must be attempted. We long for many extraordinary future leaders to join us in this journey.