In the current turbulent global situation, we are faced with the urgent task of preserving our national identity and cultural independence. While globalization is an inevitable trend, the process threatens the unique values and assets that each nation must protect.
At this critical juncture, we must urgently find concrete solutions to cultivate civic consciousness and strengthen national capacity for the future of the Republic of Korea.
In a liberal democracy, citizens, who hold ultimate sovereignty and participate in decision-making, are the most important group and cornerstone. Therefore, civic education is paramount in moving forward. Civic education goes beyond simply imparting knowledge; it is about instilling a sense of pride and identity based on history and culture.
However, bringing together divided citizens into one unified force cannot be achieved solely through individual efforts. It must be done with a systematic and strategic national vision, which requires an organizational foundation, such as think tanks. A think tank is not just a research institution; it must serve as a central axis that gathers public opinion and, based on that, provides policy direction.
There is a misunderstanding, even within conservative circles, that former President Trump should be seen merely as a businessman. This is a prejudice. Trump advocates for "America First," but in reality, his policies aim to curb the excessive influence of globalists in order to build peace and stability around the world.
Trump's strategy of prioritizing his own country is about recovering America from the damage done by deep-state actors and globalists and restoring its status as the global police force. In this regard, he seeks a country like South Korea, which can engage in genuine cooperation, rather than one where the alliance is only nominal. This presents a valuable opportunity for our country.
To take advantage of this, we must strengthen our national capacity so that we can cooperate with the United States as equals. Amid the overwhelming tide of globalization, we must maintain our unique national identity and demonstrate capabilities that differentiate us from other countries. Therefore, we need to quickly build a strong cultural foundation and instill a clear sense of national identity in our citizens.
Our security and economy still heavily depend on the alliance with the United States, as it did in the past. Yet, some voices within the conservative camp even call for the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which stems from a lack of understanding of global dynamics among citizens.
Today, the ROK-U.S. alliance is not just about military cooperation but extends to science, technology, and the overall state-to-state relationship. Thus, we must not only strengthen our relationship with the United States but also use this opportunity to develop a roadmap for the future, enhancing our ability to independently lead the world.
We have clear tasks ahead:
1. We must rebuild trust as a nation with faith-based values akin to President Trump's approach.
2. We must reconsider President Syngman Rhee's founding spirit and influence as a leader who, despite being the president of a small country, impacted the world. This will provide a foundation for setting our national direction and worldview.
3. We must enhance the global influence of the Korean language, ensuring it can express all concepts and things. This includes overhauling our national dictionary and ensuring every citizen can teach and promote the Korean language.
4. We must advance international civic movements that embody Hongik Ingan's founding principle (broadly benefiting humanity), showing the world our capacity to return the help we have received.
5. We must establish specialized organizations capable of solving international issues, not just domestic ones.
The Republic of Korea can turn crises into opportunities. Our 5,000-year history, traditions, and national passion are assets that can still be competitive on the global stage in this age of globalization. However, we must first develop our citizens' capabilities and employ a systematic strategy to make this possible. Now is the time for action.
The success of citizen mobilization depends on solidarity and cooperation. It is crucial to activate community-based organizations, encourage citizens to create discussion forums, develop mutual problem-solving habits, and build a sense of community. By establishing global networks and cooperating with citizen organizations in other countries, we can expand our international perspective and capabilities.
To ensure the sustainability of citizen mobilization, institutional support is also essential. Along with the establishment of specialized agencies that support civic education and organization, legal and financial backing is needed. Without an institutional framework that protects citizen activities and provides necessary resources, effective mobilization will be difficult.
Citizen mobilization is not just a tool for solving social problems. It is a process through which individuals and communities grow together to create a better society. Civic education, strategic use of think tanks, the strengthening of culture and identity, and solidarity between citizens must all be driven by the citizens themselves in order to lead change and innovation. This is the moment when all citizens must actively participate to create a better society and future. If we do not miss this opportunity, it will become a blessing in our history like never before.
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