Korean and U.S. Forces and Responsibilities in the Changing Asian Security Environment
Abstract
This report summarizes a joint study by RAND and the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) on U.S.-Korean force planning and the sharing of roles and burdens in the coming decade. Its aim is to consider possible changes in the forces and burdens of the allies in view of the changing strategic environment, altered economic and technological capabilities, and political constraints, while maintaining a durable alliance. The study identifies alternative security environments and conflict contingencies and draws from them policy guidelines for combined military planning. It then assesses the relative changes in U.S. and Korean economic and technological capabilities as well as the resource constraints faced by the allies. The study concludes that: The United States and South Korea should reaffirm the mutual importance of their alliance. The two allies should formally declare their intention for South Korea to be principally responsible for its own defense by 2000. This intention should be gradually implemented consistent with South Korea's force improvement and progress in inter-Korean relations. South Korea's force improvement should reflect the principle of comparative advantage by focusing on ground component capabilities while retaining U.S. air and naval support. In light of the relative growth of South Korea's economic and technological capabilities, it should bear a larger share of combined defense burdens. Every means--nonmilitary as well as military--should be used to transmit unambiguous signals to North Korea and to the world at large concerning the vitality of the alliance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA253197
Entities
People
- Charles Wolf, Jr
- Han Yong-sup
- James H. Hayes
- Kwan-chi Oh
- Norman D. Levin
Organizations
- RAND Corporation