Governance
The idea of “collaborative governance” through which diverse political actors can come together surfaced after the 20th century. It has become essential today as it serves as a core notion for state administration and sociological issues. The Yonsei University Institute of State Governance Studies has been contributing to governance research through a new approach we describe as the ‘study of state governance’. Governance research covers anti-corruption efforts, democratic reforms to authority, government-sponsored innovation efforts in the public sector, and governance issues in local politics, but it also addresses the social issues shared in today’s international society. By focusing on different aspects of the actors and drawing out their social significance in our governance research, we are able to offer a range of insights on socio-political issues and create research that is of both academic and practical value.
Political Systems and Democracy
It is crucial for modern sociology to compare various types of political systems and seek avenues for democracy to flourish. Bearing this in mind, the Yonsei University Institute of State Governance Studies has been conducting research on political systems and democracy. Through the support of projects that tackled topics on the political meaning behind the polarization of Korean social ideology, social conflicts and unification, and republican coexistence through citizen participation, we have been able to successfully host conferences and publish a large volume of research. In addition, we have been assisting developing countries as they seek ways to promote democratic politics and market governance based on South Korea’s experiences with regards to political progress and democracy.
As part of our investigations on political systems and democracy, we also collect data on former presidents to be utilized in research, exhibits, and educational projects. This has led us to develop into the largest local primary source of historical records related to presidential governance. The results of such research are among our most vital assets since they illustrate the evolution of Korean social systems and democracy.
Peace and Security
We live in an era today in which the academic demands for a sustainable and functional peace system with the capacity to promote prosperity are growing daily. Due to the threats of terrorism and other perilous situations faced by every country, global society feels the need for building a safe nation and a secure society. To meet these needs, the Yonsei University Institute of State Governance Studies analyzes peace and security from multiple perspectives. From Korea’s unification project, the North Korean nuclear threat, terrorism jeopardizing global security, and cyberattacks to nuclear deterrence, regardless of the issue at hand, our institute is intently searching for solutions to the related challenges. Currently, we are supporting associated research projects based on funding provided by the National Research Foundation of Korea. These projects collect historical records on information activities, paradigm shifts in national intelligence, crisis management in modern society, prevention measures against indiscriminate terror attacks, and more.
Public Welfare and Human Rights
One of the most important social responsibilities of a nation is public welfare. In order to promote public welfare, it is essential to know what role a country must take in order to support its citizens in living up to their full potential. This is why our researchers’ interest in the nation’s role and capabilities after democratization has increased in regards to issues of public welfare and human rights. The Yonsei University Institute of State Governance Studies is continually studying major welfare issues such as labor, public health, and education in order to suggest directions for both local and international society in the future.