Potential for Reunification of the Koreas and the Impact on U.S. Policy

Abstract

This paper examines historical and current trends in the quest for reunification between the Koreas. This examination includes a discussion of the political, military and economic forces affecting reunification, a comparison to the German precedent and discussion of regional powers' interests. There are two conclusions. First, the Koreas are moving slowly toward reunification and could be reunited by the year 2000. Second, China and the U.S. are the most important external players in Korean reunification. A distinct possibility exists that they could-5e drawn into conflict with each other over the conditions of reunification. Recommended U.S. policy includes 3 elements. First, the U.S. should retain a reduced, but capable, U.S. presence in Korea. Second, we should support Korean self-determination, and not to allow subversion or aggression by either North or South, nor any other power. Third, should we respect the legitimate security interests of Japan and China.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 1993
Accession Number
ADA264615

Entities

People

  • Owen D. Ryan

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asia
  • Cold War
  • Commerce
  • Economic Systems
  • Families (Human)
  • Governments
  • Korean War
  • National Politics
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Personality
  • Political Systems
  • Security
  • Students
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.