Engagement of North Korea: Support for the "Sunshine Policy"
Abstract
Developing a U.S. roadmap for dealing with totalitarian regimes has always proven to be a daunting task, especially when these states threaten the use of force to gain the international spotlight and accompanying attention. Foreign policy realists would be inclined to take a very strict, hard line with the leadership of what used to be referred to as "rogue states," a term less popular in current political lexicon but probably more accurate in description. Others may choose to let regional countries deal with the bad neighbor as the U.S. focuses on perhaps more pressing domestic needs. However, as proven throughout history, there is a danger in isolationism that will likely force a reluctant government's hand to formulate a national security strategy in the international arena. In dealing with the North Korean regime, the U.S. has an opportunity to walk down a potentially fruitful but very long and uneasy road. In 1998, the Republic of South Korea (ROK) government, under President Kim Dae Jung, instituted a "Constructive Engagement Policy" designed to stabilize the Korean peninsula while opening up contacts at multiple levels between the two countries. Dubbed the "Sunshine Policy," this approach attempts to separate economics from politics and promote family reunification and other exchange programs. In light of the potential promises of this methodology, the U.S. government should support the South Korean president's Sunshine Policy as a necessary form of engaging North Korea in the 21st century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 19, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA441706
Entities
People
- Jeffrey B. Kendall
Organizations
- National War College