Transpacific Partnership as a component of America's "Pivot to Asia" strategy and its impact on South Korea.

Bachelor thesis deals with the topic of Transpacific partnership (TPP) as a component of America's pivot to Asia strategy. It focuses on the evaluation of the relationship between South Korea and the USA. The TPP, as the economical component of the policy, is a newly planned free trade area among countries of the Asia-Pacific region. China and the U.S. are the largest countries and major economical powers of the Asia-Pacific. Their rivalry raises concerns among countries of the region including South Korea. The current rapid rise of China's political and economical power strongly influeces the relationship between both traditional allies, the United States and South Korea. Therefore, the text deals with the issue of Chinese influence in the decision- making process of South Korea in joining the TPP. South Korean alliance with China, although it is economically beneficial, forces her at the same time to join the Transpacific partnership led by the United States. Thereby, Korea can mitigate China's rising influence and adopt balanced approach to both regional powers. South Korea will profit from this position and from the economical integration in the Asia-Pacific region. Politically, South Korea will remain China's ally but it will stay under the protection of the United States against Chinese..