통일은 대박이다(한국통일과 동북아시아 지역안보)

[korus21c]

  아래 글은 1994년 6월 필자가 미 해대원 석사학위 논문으로 제출했던 자료로서

yahoo.com  

chang,man-chul 을 검색하시면 원형대로의 원문을 열람 및 인쇄하실 수 있습니다.

당시 하드디스켓으로 학교당국에 원문과 함께 제출하였는데 미국에서는 출판사  책자로나   인터넷으로 유통되고 있습니다.

필자가 이 글에서 강조하고 싶은 바는 남북한 문제에 아래 논문 페이지 84에 나오는 win-win   개념 적용입니다.

남북통일의 당위성에 대하여는 오늘날 온 국민이 공유하고 있는것으로 사료되며 공감대의  확산속도가 매우빠른것 같아서

  정책당국의 선제적 대안제시와 대응이 중요하다고 보여집니다 .

그리고 심리학자 마슬로우의 욕구이론을 우리국민의 전통적 성취동기와 자아실현을 연계하여 본것은

최근의 한류열풍과 무관하지 않다고 하겠습니다. 남북통일은 한류열풍의 결정체가 될것으로 봅니다.

2015.2.15  Chang, Man-Chul 배상

AD-A284 546
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
Monterey, California
THESIS
KOREAN REUNIFICATION:
THE IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY
by
Man-Chul Chang
June 1994
Thesis Advisor: Edward A. Olsen
Associate Advisor: John J. Arquilla
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KOREAN UNIFICATION: THE IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY
6. A'THOR(S) Chang, Man-Chul
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13. AB;TRA(T" (maxiomum 200 words)
KOREAN REUNIFICATION IS ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL ISSUES OF THE POST-COLD WAR ERA.
NOT ONLY FOR THE KOREAN PENINSULA. BUT ALSO FOR REGIONAL SECURITY. THIS STUDY
ANALYZES KOREAN REUNIFICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF NORTHEAST ASIAN AND NORTHERN
PACIFIC REGIONAL SECURITY. A SYSTEMIC FRAMEWORK IS UTILIZED AS AN ANALYTICAL
TOOL TO EXAMINE THE MOTIVATIONS OF STATES WITH INTERESTS IN THE REGION. THE
STUDY CONCLUDES THAT AN INCREMENTAL FUNCTIONAL APPROACH WOULD BE THE MOST
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO ACHIEVE KOREAN UNIFICITON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY
STRENGTHENING REGIONAL SECURITY. A STABLE PROCESS OF UNIFICATION WOULD
CONTRIBUTE NOT ONLY TO KOREA'S FUTURE. BUT ALSO TO REGIONAL AND GLOBAL PEACE.
PROSPERITY AND DEMOCRACY.
14. SIB.JECT TERMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES
Korean Reunification, Regional Security, Motivations of National 113
Activities, Incremental approach for Unification. 16. PRICE CODE
17. SECURITY (LASSI- I& SECURITY CLASSIFICA- 19. SECURITY CLASSIFICA- 20. LIMITATION OF
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MCi'IC QUALhiiY I.2 7;I1D A
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
KOREAN REUNIFICATION:
THE IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY
by
Man-Chul Chang
General Administrator/Ministry of National Defense of R.O.K
M.P.A., Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, 1988
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE
PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
from the
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
June 1994
Author: __________________________________
Man-Chul Chang
Approved by:________________________
-wad [A. sen, Thesis Advisor
0 John JCJAriqilla, Associate Advisor
Thomas C. Bruneau, Chairman
Department of National Security Affairs
DepDa.rdt menr oWf h1S1E pil Mhaainramgeamnent
ii
ABSTRACT
Korean reunification is one of the most critical issues of the
post-Cold War era, not only for the Korean peninsula, but also for
regional security. This study analyzes Korean reunification in the
context of Northeast Asian and Northern Pacific regional security.
A systemic framework is utilized as an analytical tool to examine
the motivations of states with inter-ts in the region. The study
concludes that an incremental funct.: -, approach would be the most
efficient and effective way to achieve K'-rean unification while
simultaneously strengthening regional security. A stable process
of unification would contribute not only to Kozea's future, but
also to regional and global peace, prosperity and democracy.
Accesion For
NTIS CRA&I
DTIC TAB
Urnannounced El
Justification .
By ........
DiLt ibition I
Availability Codes
Avail and I or
Dist Special
ii.1
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. AN OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF KOREAN
REUNIFICATION AND REGIONAL SECURITY . . . . . . . . 5
A. THE OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH TO THE KOREAN ISSUE . 5
B. THE OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH IN ORGANIZATION
THEORY . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 6
C. AN ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK . . . ......... 7
D. MOTIVATIONS AND ACTIVITIES . . . ........ 10
E. CONCEPTUAL REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 13
1. Korean Unification . . . . . . . . . ... 13
2. Regional Security . . . . . . . .14
III. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF KOREA AND REGIONAL SECURITY . 15
A. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT TO 1910 ........ 15
1. Building a Korean National Philosophy
(BC 2333) . . . .. . . . . . .. . . ... . . 15
2. The Three Kingdoms(BC57-AD676) &
Unified Silla(AD676) . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. Koryo & Chosen Dynasties (AD918 -1910) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 19
B. THE PRESENT SITUATION OF THE KOREAN
PENINSULA . . . ......... . . . . . . . . . 22
1. Moving Towards A Consensus ... ........ .. 22
2. Differences in South & North
Korean Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
C. THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 27
iv
1. Cultural Characteristics: Korea, China
and Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2. The United States and Russia . . . . . . . 29
IV. INTERNAL AND ETERNAL RELATIONS ........... 32
A. INTERNAL RELATIONS OF SOUTH AND
NORTH KOREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
B. EXTERNAL RELATIONS WITH JAPAN, RUSSIA, CHINA AND
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA . . . . . . . . . 33
V. OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGIONAL NATIONS IN RELATION TO
THE KOREAN PENINSULA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
A. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE UNITED STATES . . . . . . 37
1. A Systemic Framework . . . . . . . . . . . 37
2. Overview: The US, Korea and the
Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3. Future Opportunities ............ 40
B. JAPAN . . *.. . . . . . . . . . .......... 43
C. CHINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
D. RUSSIA %.. . .. . . . .. *... . . . .. . . 47
VI. LESSONS FROM THE OTHER UNIFICATION CASES . . . . . . 49
A. GERMAN REUNIFICATION ............. 49
1. From West and East Germany to One
Germany . . . o . . . . . . .. .. . . . 49
2. Applying the German Case to the Korean
Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
a. The Similar Factor of Korea and Germanpl
b. The Difference Between Korea and
Germany . . . . . . ........... 51
B. YEMENI REUNIFICATION ............... 54
VII. KOREAN ALTERNATIVES ................... 56
v
A. GENERAL GOALS:
NATIONAL, REGIONAL & GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES . . . 56
B. THE POST-COLD WAR ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . 60
C. REGIONAL NATIONS AND THE CHANGING
ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
D. COMMON EFFORTS TO SOLVE KOREA AND ISSUES 9 . .. . . o.. .. . . . . R. EG. IO.NAoL *... . 71
E. KOREAN ALTERNATIVES ... . . . . . . . . . 73
1. Common Goals of Unification . . .... 74
2. Primary Protagonists ... . . . . . . 75
3. Scenarios for Unification ... . . . 78
a. A Second Korean War . . .... . 78
b. Unification by Absorption .......... 81
c. Incremental Unification . . .... 82
F. PERSPECTIVES ON POST-KOREAN UNIFICATION . . .... 89
1. Economic Perspectives ... . . . . . 90
2. Social-Cultural Perspectives . . .... 92
3. Military Perspectives ... . . . . . 93
4. Political Perspectives . . . .... ......... 94
VIII. CONCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . 96
GLOSSARY OF TERMS .. ................. 101
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . .... . . . . . . . . . .................... 102
INITIAL DISTRIBUTION LIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
vi
I. INTRODUCTION
The Cold War is over. However, a remnant of it is being
waged on the Korean peninsula. The conflict between communism
and capitalism is thus not yet over in Asia. The Korean
peninsula contains one million troops in North Korea and over
seven hundred thousand in South Korea. This military
confrontation is one of the most tense and sensitive situation
in the world. It has also caused tremendous pain and created
many burdens for South and North Korea since the Korean War of
1950-1953. In addition, this situation presents significant
security risks at both the regional and global levels.
Korea was divided into North and South after World War
II. The Northern side joined the communist bloc and the
Southern side joined the capitalist bloc. The separation of
the two Koreas was the most serious event in Korean history.
A few years after the separation, the Korean peninsula had to
overcome a severe conflict which helped shape the global
dimensions of the Cold War. Tensions were not resolved in this
period. With the end of the Cold War, Germany and Yemen
accomplished their reunifications, though the latter's appears
to be failing. But although South and North Korea have held
discussions on reunification, discussions have been
temporarily discontinued because of the nuclear arms issue.
When the issue is resolved, discussions will undoubtedly resume.
1
Now is the time to prepare for Korean reunification.
Because the internal situation and the external environment
might not be fully prepared for such a process, Korean leaders
need to be very cautious in preparing for reunification. They
must consider the internal and external regional environment
of the peninsula, and -- furthermore-- closely examine the
experiences of Germany and Yemen.
Through this study I will eval‎uate the prospects for
Korean unification. I will also assess the consequences of
Korean reunification for the regional security of Northeast
Asia and the Northern Pacific regions.
South Korea has developed independent, positive, and
cooperative international relations with neighbor nations such
as the former USSR, China, Japan, and the Southeast Asian
countries. Seoul's foreign policies are based on the ROK's
close military relations with the United States of America.
Efforts to expand these ties could help improve the regional
security environment. Korean reunification is one of the most
critical issues of the post-Cold War era, not only for the
Korean peninsula, but also for regional and world security,
given the potential for escalation posed by the spectre of
weapons of mass destruction.
Reunification would help complete the last stage of the
Cold War. Both Koreas -- South and North-- enthusiastically
want to accomplish unification though perhaps by different
2
means, and in diffrent teams. and thereby contribute to
regional and worldwide peace.'
A peaceful approach will be helpful to achieve Korean
reunification and regional security. Reunification and
regional security issues are related to the cooperative
efforts of South and North Korea, the big regional powers such
as China, Japan, Russia and the United States, and other UN
member countries. A peaceful unification process that is
initiated internally, and reinforced by the regional powers,
would contribute to regional stability. To this end I will
discuss:
(1) A design for a systematic approach to the study of
Korean unification and regional security
(2) A historical overview of Korea and its regional
security environment
(3) The internal and external relations of the Korean
peninsula
(4) The opportunities of regional nations in relation to
the Korean peninsula
(5) The lessons of the German and Yemeni cases
(6) Alternatives for Korean unification & regional
'Historically, Korea has been notable for avoiding offensive
war in its 5000 years of history. In this respect, the South
Korean Constitution has established a relevant article which says
that Korea will reject any kind of aggressive war and will
contribute to world peace and human welfare.
3
security
(7) Perspectives on post-Korean reunification.
4
II. AN OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF
KOREAN REUNIFICATION AND REGIONAL SECURITY
As an analytical tool for this study I have built a
structural and functional model which treats the Korean
peninsula and its regional environment as an open system. For
purpose of this study, an open system means an organizational
structure whose relations with its environment are
substantial. A nat4onil unit also can be understood as an
open system if the nation has extensive relations with other
nations and with its regional or global environment. In
applying this analytical framework to Korea I will assess the
following factors; a) the relevance of the open system
approach to Korea, b) how the open system approach relates to
organization theory, c) the environmental framework of the
Korean peninsula, d) the role of motivations and activities in
an open system framework, and e) the conceptual foundations
of Korean reunification and regional security.
A. THE OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH TO THE KOREAN ISSUE
The Korean peninsula has been maintained as a unified
cultural and national system for thousands of years.
Throughout the long national history of the peninsula there
are many examples of the relevance of the open system
framework to Korea's foreign policies. When Korean
governments have promoted foreign involvement, the nation was
5
able to develop well. But when governments have ignored
foreign affairs, the nation experienced difficulty. In
solving issues such as Korean reunification and Northeast
Asian security, the Korean peninsula may need to apply the
open system approach as it relates to the regional and global
environment.
B. THE OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH IN ORGANIZATION
THEORY
According to Huse and Cummings, 2 organizations, groups
and people can be understood as systems. Systems are viewed
as unitary wholes composed of parts or subsystems; the system
serves to integrate the part into a functioning unit. When
systems have relationships with external environments, they
are understood to be "open systems." Open systems exchange
information and resources with their environment. Key
functions of these systems include: a) inputs, operations, and
outputs, b) boundaries, c) feedback; and d) equifiiality.
Organizational systems have a series of inputs, operations,
and outputs. Inputs are human or other resources. Inputs
come from the environment or from subsystems within the
system. Operations are the processes of transforming inputs
into other forms. Outputs are the result of what is
2 Edgar F.Huse and Thomas G. Cummings, Organization,
Development and Change, 3rd ed. (Minnesota: West Publishing
Company, 1985), pp. 35-38.
6
transformed by the system. Boundaries can be understood as
the borders or limits of the system. The concept of boundaries
helps to distinguish between systems and environments.
Feedback is the result of organizational performance. Feedback
can be understood as a function which maintains the system in
a steady state, or allows the system to change and adapt to
changing circumstances. Equifinality is to achieve output
through the relationship between the initial condition and the
final state. The concept of equifinality suggests that
similar results may be achieved with different initial
conditions and in many different ways. From this perspective,
nations can be understood as open systems within their
regional or global environment. I will apply this open system
theory to the present situation of the Korean peninsula.
C. AN ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK
Any person, organization, nation and region can exist as
an open system over a given period of time. When systems
change or adapt to their particular environment they can
survive and develop; if they fail to do so, they will not
survive.
As an open system, the Korean situation can be
conceptualized in graphic terms as follows <Figure 1>.
7
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT
(The U.S.A., Russia, China, £ Japan)
INPUT OPERATION OUTPUT
KOREAN PENINSULA
South & North's Korean
cold War End cooperation & unification
Democratization Common efforts !Regional security
Marketization, Global Peace,
Regionalization. IDemocracy.
II
r -
FEEDBACK
L -------------------------------
Figure 1
A System Framework Of The Korean Peninsula
In the present international environment, South and North
Korea exist as separate state systems. Korean unification
would mean a transition to a single state system. Because the
Korean peninsula has historically developed as a single
national unit, and because the two Koreas are presently
seeking reunification, I will analyze the Korean peninsula in
this study as one open system. South and North Korea will be
conceptualized as subsystems of a single traditional Korean
8
system. In the regional system surrounding the Korean
peninsula, I include Russia, the United States, China, and
Japan, as four major powers which could affect the Korean
reunification issue. In terms of geography, the United States
can be excluded from the Northeast Asia region. But because
of the United States' advanced mobile capability and its
relations with the Korean peninsula, I have included it as a
regional factor.
As noted in Figure 1 regarding global environmental
factors, there are many sub areas and international
organizations. Subareas include Southeast Asia, Oceania,
Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, North America,
and South America. International organizations include the UN
and various regional security, economic, and political
organizations such as the IAEA, APEC, bilateral and
multinational organizations within the Northeast Asia and
North Pacific region, NAFTA, the EEC and NATO of Europe, and
ASEAN of Southeast Asia. In the open system context,
political, military, economic and socio-cultural cooperation -
-with external support and through the internal efforts of
South and North Korea-- will help to achieve Korean
unification. These efforts will also strengthen regional and
global security.
Due to the open character of this system, the subsystems
outlined in Figure 1 are related in various ways and at
9
different levels to accomplish their own goals. Subsystem
relations and activities can be viewed in historical
perspective. The Korean peninsula was originally unified from
AD 676 until 1945, thus for much of its history it developed
as a single national system. In the present situation Korea
has been divided into two sub-systems; these have developed
separate identities since 1945. As an environmental factor,
the four big powers (the United States, China, Japan and
Russia) can perform their roles in relation to Korean issues.
In the global context, regional groups and organizations which
comprise the environment define their roles in relation to
Korea with direct positive action or indirect passive action.
The external and internal relations of this open system are
complex, as each national or regional unit has its own goals
and strategies.
D. MOTIVATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
In the context of the framework discussed above, I will
review the foundations of motivations and activities of
various subsystems. To analyze these motivation I will apply
Abraham H. Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of human needs
<figure 2> because it helps elucidate the motivational basis
of subsystem activities, such as political, economic, sociocultural,
and military functions.
10
Higher level needs 1. Needs for self-actualization
2. Needs for esteem
3. Belongingness
4. Safety needs
Lower level needs 5. Physiological needs
Figure 2 Naslow's Human Needs Hierarchy3
In Maslow's view, humans have five levels of motivational
needs. They first act to meet their critical basic needs,
such as their physiological and safety needs. Once these lower
needs are satisfied, an individual begins to focus more on
higher needs. Using Maslow's hierarchy of human needs as an
analytical tool we can review the motivations of
organizational, national, and regional activities. In the
real world, the activities of every organization can be
explained through functional factors, such as economic,
political, socio-cultural, and military activities. From this
point of view, national motivations (i.e., interests) based on
human needs can be drawn <Figure 3> in combination with the
real functional activities.
3 Abraham H. Maslow, Motivation and Personality, (New York:
Harper & Row, 1954); and Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal,
Reframing Organizations, (San Francisco:Josse-Bass
Publishers,1991), pp. 124-125.
11
<Needs; motivations>
Actualization
Esteem
Belongingness
Safety
Physiological Social-Cultural Political•/ Economic Military
<functions>
Figure 3
A Combination Of Motivational Nierarchy and Functional
Activities (of individuals, nations, or regional situations)
In this <Figure 3>, I assumed that the economic and
military functions are more closely related to the lower
level needs such as the physiological and safety needs of
Maslow's human needs hierarchy. In contrast, the sociocultural
and political functions are more closely related to
the higher level needs such as belongingness, esteem and selfactualization.
I also assume that in underdeveloped societies
more generally lower-level needs are more critical than
higher-level needs, such as belongingness, esteem, selfactualization
and political, social, cultural activities. In
contrast, advanced societies have already satisfied lowerlevel
needs, and thus focus on higher-level human needs.
12
This general framework will manifest differences among
different systems because of cultural and historical
variation. The combined framework will assist in the analysis
of specific open system situations. I will use the matrix
outlined in Figure 3 to discuss national and regional
motivations and activities.
E. CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
For an effective approach to this study, I would like to define the
concept of Korean unification and regional security based on an open
system approach, and the combination of functional and motivational human
activities.
1. Korean Unification
In theoretical terms Korean unification denotes a
change from two systems to one system within the general
subsystems of the regional and global environments. For an
open system to survive and to stabilize, unification would
mean a change from an ineffective and inefficient system to an
effective and efficient system. A unified Korea would mean an
integrated system with respect to political, economic, social,
cultural, and military factors.
There might be several approaches to unification:
(1) an incremental functional approach, (2) a total
comprehensive approach, and (3) a strategic combined
functional approach which combines functional and motivational
factors.
13
Alternatives among theses approaches need to be
examined, considering internal conditions and external
existing environment.
2. Regional Security
In terms of Maslow's human needs model "security" is
the most basic human needs motivation factor to any of
national or regional units. Security also can be achieved
within the human needs context of Maslow through the
political, economic, social-cultural and military functions.
The post-Cold War trend is asking for us to achieve the
security needs based on the regional nations' cooperation.
Korean reunification has been one of the main issues to be
solved in South and North Korea, and also in the regional and
global community because it has been one case of the unsolved
Cold War conflicts. As an open system in the regional and
global context Korean unification will contribute to improve
regional security, and furthermore a unified Korea will be
able to play the key roles to improve regional security,
welfare and democracy.
14
III. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF KOREA AND REGIONAL
SECURITY
As an example of the open system I have discussed above,
the Korean context can best be understood through a
chronological overview based on the past, present and future
aspects of related sub-units. These include Korea and the four
regional big powers: China, Japan, Russia, and the United
States. In this study the functional factors to be assessed
chronologically will be political, economic, social, and
military affairs, based on national interests and motivations.
These will draw on Maslow's five levels of human needs.
A. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT TO 1910
1. Building A Korean National Philosophy( BC 2333)
Korea is located in the Far Eastern portion of Asia.
Many people of the world might not be familiar with the
history of Korea.' Korea has around 5000 years of national
history: the first creation of ancient Korea was Ancient
Chosen which was led by the legendary founder King Tan'gun-
Wanggom. He established a tribal country called Kochoson in
4 Han, Woo-Keun, Trans. Kyung-Shik Lee, Ed. Grafton K.Mintz,
The History of Korea, (Honolulu:University of Hawaii Press, 1974),
Preface, says that "It has long been a popular demand that the
history of Korea be written in a new way---." Korea has kept
tremendous historical records and assets which are not familiar to
western societies. Because Korea had to overcome Japanese
colonialism, the Korean War and the long continued Cold War, South
Korea did not have the opportunity to inform western observers of
its past.
15
B.C. 2333. This dominated the territory between the Liao River
in Southern Manchuria and the Taedong River in central north
Korea. 5A ruling doctrine of the ancient Kochoson for
political, social, economic, religious and military functions
was HONG IK IN GAN.' This was intended to improve human
dignity and welfare for all the people. This philosophical
doctrine created by Kochoson society has developed through the
following generations over the 5000 years of Korean history.
All Koreans believe that their historical roots are in the
ancient country of Kochoson and their spiritual base is HONG
IK IN GAN.
Kochoson appears to have remained until about the
end of the third century B.C. During the Warring period in
China, between the 6th century and 221 B.C., Kochoson
confronted several ancient Chinese states, such as Yen(King
Chao 312-279 B.C.) which took the Chinese title of king,
Ch'in(221-202 B.C.). This unified the Warring States of China
with the Han dynasty, which in turn replaced the Ch'in emperor
in 202 B.C. In 109 B.C. the Han dynasty's king Wu-Ti
attacked "Wanggom-song," the capital of ancient Kochoson, with
an army of sixty thousand men and a navy of 7000 sailors.
This attack was successfully repulsed and the Han forces were
' Ibid., p. 12.
""HONG IK; :9 ( )" means to contribute welfare, and "IN
GAN; e A (/• j3 )" means human, people.
16
obliged to retire. But the next year Kochoson was surrounded
by another Han attack. Han established four provinces in the
Kochoson territory. Among them China's Han dynasty gave up the
three provinces between 82 and 75 B.C.; Chin-bon, Im-dun, and
Hyon-to, because of the resistance of the Kochoson people who
constructed the kingdom of Koguryo. But one of the Han's four
provinces, Nagnang was preserved until AD 313 in a part of the
Korean peninsula. While Koguryo grew up as a strong kingdom
in the Northern part of the Korean peninsula and Manchuria,
the Paekche and Silla Kingdoms were established in the south.
Korea was not one nation until the Silla dynasty unified the
three kingdoms. Nevertheless, because they had grown up as
one cultural group, Koreans believed they were same group and
they eventually established one national system in AD 676,
which was maintained until 1945 when the Cold War divided it
into two national systems.
2. The Three Kingdoms(BC 57-AD 676) and Unified
Silla(AD 676)
Between BC 57 and AD 676 the Korean people
established the Three Kingdoms, which were Koguryo, Paekche,
and Silla of the Korean peninsula and Manchuria. Koguryo was
located in the Northern part of the Korean peninsula and
Manchuria. It shared a border on the northeast with China's
Sui dynasty and the following T'ang dynasty. The Paekche
17
Kingdom was located in the southwest part of the Korean
peninsula; the Silla dynasty was located in the southeast part
of the Korean peninsula. These three kingdoms believed they
were originally one nation and one people since the time of
ancient Kochoson. Therefore, after competing for dominance,
Silla unified these three Kingdoms in AD 676. The Unified
Silla Kingdom was sustained until AD 918 when Silla power was
transferred to the Koryo dynasty by Wang-Keun.
During the Three Kingdoms and the Unified Silla
period, Koreans established and developed well-integrated
social-political and military systems. The main economic
activity was agriculture. The Three Kingdoms maintained good
relation because they had a strong underlying motivation to
unify as one ethnic nation. In terms of international
regional conflicts, Koguryo waged several big wars with
China's Sui and the following T'ang dynasty's forces in this
period. Because the Koguryo forces were well prepared, Koguryo
defeated Sui and T'ang's large scale attack.7 Silla and
Paekche conducted several conflicts with Japan. In the
political and cultural realm, these dynasties improved their
own unique cultural, social and political development, and
7 Ibid., pp. 76-78, in AD 612 Sui's Emperor Yang Ti with
1,130,000 troops attacked Koguryo, but they were defeated by
general Ulchi Mun-dok of Koguryo. And in AD 644, 647, 648, and 655
T'ang Emperor T'ai tsung which succeeded Sui attacked Koguryo with
200,000 troops, but they were defeated by general Yang Man-Chun and
Yon Kae-so-mun of Koguryo.
18
in the case of Paekche, Koreans had close relationships with
ancient Japanese society by delegating cultural ambassadors to
teach their ancient culture to Japan.
3. Koryo & Chosen Dynasties (AD 918-1910)
During this period of Korean history the Koryo and
Chosen dynasties established well-developed bureaucratic
systems through open competitive examinations conducted
annually or biennially. After 475 years and the 34 kings of
the Koryo dynasty(between AD 918-1392), a new dynasty named
Chosen followed ( AD 1392-1910). The Chosen dynasty
continued for 27 kings and 518 years until 1910 when Chosen
was colonized by Japan. During the one thousand years of the
Koryo and Chosen dynasties, the Korean peninsula maintained a
relatively stable national identity with well-organized
channels of communication and open political and bureaucratic
systems. Normally the king's authority was limited by the
traditional political doctrine HONG IK IN GAN, legal
procedures, and a system of political checks and balances.
All the king's policy orders were recorded by an office that
was independent from the king's authority.
Economically, the people's level of material needs
was not high and diverse. They were therefore ablc to get all
the things which they needed: such as clothes, food, and
19
houses.$ Their needs were met within a stable agricultural
social system. Cultural needs were comparatively high, and
they enjoyed learning and studying through the various
educational institutions.' The curriculum concentrated on
philosophical, spiritual, cultural, and moral areas. These
educational needs can be explained with Maslow's hierarchy of
human needs. The needs of this period were generally high
level needs. According to Maslow's model, the people of this
period would be more happy than present-day Koreans, who have
suffered severely for one century-- more than any other period
of Korean history.
The Koryo and Chosen dynasties experienced several
external wars: from AD 1231-3273, the Mongol-Koryo
confrontation was caused by the Mongol's invasion; from AD
1592-1598, the Chosen-Japan War was caused by Japan's
invasion; from AD 1627-1637, the Chosen-Ch'ing campaign was
caused by Ch'ing's invasion. These wars erupted because of
" Through chosen period, spiritual-cultural self-actualization
needs motivation such as Confucianism values was higher than
material needs motivation. Therefore the people could satisfy with
minimum materials.
' Ibid., pp. 103-104, 239-240, 470. The Unified Silla,Koryo
and Chosen dynasties established educational institutions in the
capital city and in districts nationwide. For example, Unified
Silla established "Kukhak" as a National School in AD 682. The
teachers were called "Paksa" ("Paksa" means learned Men; in English
this means "Doctor" "Ph.D."). And Chosen established
"Songgyun'gwan" and "Haktang" in Seoul, and for nationwide
districts "Hyanggyo" and "Sodang" were established.
20
external invasions of the Korean peninsula.
The Korean people are homogeneous and have used one
unique language throughout their long history. Everyone keeps
his or her own family histories and individual ancestors'
records. Korea has developed and preserved its own alphabet,
the Han~gul,1 0 Everyone can read easily and fluently before
they are 6 years old. The Korean language is well organized,
very efficient and unique. Korea has rich cultural
properties. Traditionally, Korea has wanted to be a peaceful
society, and has had mainly defensive wars. Prior to the
Korean War, Korea was one country, with one history, one
homogenous people, one language, and an integrated traditional
culture. Both South and North Koreans have great pride in
their cultural assets.
When the second World War was over, Korea overcame
Japan colonialism. But during the Cold War, Korea was divided
into two countries. At present the peninsula's difficulties
appear to be only an internal conflict. But this conflict was
caused by external factors. In reality it is a combined
internal and external problem.
10 Ibid., pp. 208-209, King Sejong and his royal research
institute developed and completed the present Korean alphabet
which has a convenient and efficient system of phonetic writing.
Ocfober 9th is Korea's holiday in honor of Han'gul.
21
With respect to Maslow's model, the Korean people
have acquired high levels of needs through their long history.
Because of external invasions, Korea has experienced many
wars, but they overcame them all. The present situation is
the worst ordeal in Korea's history. Contemporary Koreans
feel a strong historical responsibility to resolve the
conflict.
B. THE PRESENT SITUATION OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA
1. Moving toward a Consensus
The present Korean situation can be explained as
follows. Korea has ten million separated families in South
and North Korea since the war of 1950-1953. Nobody
understands fully how painful this situation is except the
Korean people. Most Koreans enthusiastically await unification
of the peninsula. But during the almost half century of
separation since 1945, both sides have developed their own
styles, cultural biases, and value systems, with the biggest
differences in the respective political and economic
environments. A democratic capitalist free market system has
developed in the South, and a strict one-person communist
dictatorship has been sustained in the North. Now virtually
everyone in the world believes that the open market system is
better than the centrally planned economies of communist
states. Most former communist countries have adopted free
22
market systems. North Korea will probably not be an
exceptional case. The only remaining problems is when change
will come and the way it will occur. North Koreans will also
have a similar understanding of the advantages of capitalism,
the free market, and democracy. Like any other approach to
problem solving, Korean unification and regional security is
best analyzed by applying systems theory. With regard to this
approach, each regional country will participate in the system
for self interest, with respect to Maslow's model of highlevel
human needs, even though some regional nations do not
directly benefit from the Korean unification, they will choose
reasonable actions that will enhance )gional security. In the
post-Cold War environment there is widespread agreement that
democratic rule is preferable to authoritarianism. People
also believe that the free market is a more efficient economic
system, which has motivational incentives based on Maslow's
human needs.
Contrary to this general trend, there has been only
one exception. The exceptional case is the North Korea
regime, which is isolated. In this respect the final
unresolved Cold War obstacle is North Korea. The higher level
policy makers and bureaucrats of North Korea already know the
global trends, but because of their cultural bias they are not
accustomed to recognizing the clear facts. South Korea is not
comfortable with North Korea's dilemma, and needs to
23
understand the North Korean ruling group's motivations. This
understanding would help resolve the long-sustained national
trauma through a process of cooperative unification.
Currently, there is a general agreement that Korean
unification, will come soon, and the approach should be
incremental, peaceful, and functional. 11 But some people worry
about whether it will come abruptly, such as in Germany. If
the South and the North Koreans choose an unreasonable
strategy for unification, the result might be an inefficient
one. Therefore, South Korea needs to determine whether there
are right or wrong alternatives in preparing strategic
unification programs for an effective and efficient approach.
on the road to Korean unification. In terms of the
environmental, recent global trends toward peace, freedom,
free-market, democracy with the end of the Cold War and German
unification, South Korean people are beginning to have more
confidence in their future. In addition the domestic economic
11 Yang,Ho-Min and others, North and South Korea: The Road
to Reunification, (Seoul, Korea:Nanam Publishing House, 1992), pp.
237-254 ; Rho, Chan-Baek and others, Tal Nang-Jeon Ei Min Jok Tong-
Il Ron; Post Cold War National Unification, Ed. Lee, Joon-Gyu,
(Seoul: Yejin Publish, 1993), pp.107-109, pp.453-467, pp.459-471.;
Lee, Sang-Woo, "Unification Scenario," Tong Il Si Dae: The Times of
Unification of the year 2000( Seoul , Korea: Dong-A Ii Bo Sa,1993),
The South Korean Government has been expressing its unification
polices based on the incremental peaceful and functional approach.
Yang, Rho and his co-authors's, and Lee( who can be considered
specialists on the Korean unification issue) generally agreed
trends are also similar to the South Korean governments' official
policies.
24
and political climate in South Korea has changed to a positive
position.
Korea was traditionally an agricultural society.
Koreans did not own excessive property. They could be happy
with minimum a level of food, housing and clothing. Their
most important asset was their spirituality. Thus in solving
current Korean difficulties issue must be considered
spiritual, high level motivations of Maslow's human needs
model.
2. Differences in South and North Korean Culture
As stated above both South and North Koreans sustain
cultural biases toward one another that jeopardize
reunification efforts. It is essential that Koreans review
the differences between the South and the North that have
developed since 1945. South and North Korea have almost the
same size of territories. South Korea has more agricultural
resources and North Korea has more minerals, due to the
climate and terrain of each area. South Korea has a
population of 43 million and North Korea has 22 million.
South Korea, with capitalism, has shown more efficient
economic development than has North Korea. Politically South
Korea has established a very mature democracy, in contrast to
North Korea which has sustained an authoritarian regime and a
one man autocracy since 1945. In terms of the military
confrontation North Korea has maintained larger numbers with
25
one million active soldiers, most of them stationed near the
demilitarized zone.
After almost half a century under different
political, economic and social systems, South Koreans are more
liberal and active, and live in better economic better
conditions than North Koreans. Because of its closed
communist system, North Korea still functions as a dynamic
kingdom, similar to the period of the Chosen dynasty period.
But they are well accustomed to such a dynasty in
administrative terms and have been satisfied with the system,
even though there is a material deficit. They do not allow
discussions of the system's multiple inefficiencies. The
North Korean people do not complain because they are
accustomed to their life style and have been developed a
unique cultural bias within their closed society.
South Koreans are accustomed to an open competitive
system. They can participate efficiently in any world market,
and can also accomplish major economic goals. South Korea
still has strong military allies, such as the United States
and the UN countries that participated in Korean War. But
North Korea has lost most of its former communist allies. So
now South Korea has almost recovered the original level of
historical self-development capacity which Korea enjoyed
during its long 5000 year history. North Korea needs to learn
from the South Korean experience to adjust to contemporary
26
political, social, and economic conditions.
C. THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
1. Cultural Characteristics: Korea, China, and Japan
With respect to historical, traditional, and
cultural affairs, relationships between Korea, China, and
Japan are fairly sensitive. Each country manifests certain
cultural biases. Koreans, f or example maintain a strong pride
in tradition. One of Korea's kingdoms, Paekche, sent some
members of the King's family and specialists to Japan to
teach their culture and techniques. Another one of Korea's
kingdoms, Koguryo encountered, and successfully repulsed the
Chinese when T'ang and Sui's forces invaded Koguryo. From
these historical facts Koreans have displayed a very high
level of nationalistic pride toward neighboring countries.
China, where Confucianism was developed, has
sustained a strong position in world history with regard to
the higher levels of human needs. China has strongly
influenced Korean and Japanese culture with its Confucian
culture and bureaucratic systems. For example, the Yen,
Ch'in, and Han dynasties' iron culture replaced the bronze
culture of Korea and Japan. 12 In a similar way China's T'ang,
Sung, and Ming's governmental systems influenced Unified
Silla, Koryo, and Chosen political, bureaucratic and social
12 Han, Lee, and Mintz, pp. 12-14.
27
systems. 1 3 China's national identity has been sustained
without severe external threats to its traditional system of
Confucian social values. But when the industrialized western
countries and Japan penetrated China and Korea, the two
countries were unable to efficiently integrate western
material culture. In that confrontation traditional Confucian
culture served to inhibit to the new western cultural styles.
Traditional Confucian culture was transformed a hybrid culture
combining eastern Confucianism and western materialism. This
may now be occurring in China, Korea and other Asian
countries. If we consider environmental circumstances it is
very easy for us to understand the differences between
western Europe and eastern Asia. Western European society with
its competitive conflicts developed weapons to survive, and
this led to the industrial revolution. The Great Britain
achieved industrial development earlier than other European
countries because of its isolated geographic location. This
situation is similar to the Japanese case because Japan's
geographical characteristics are similar to Great Britain.
There were differences in the industrialization process among
China, Korea, and Japan, but the fundamental cultural basis of
" Ibid., pp. 90-92,129,229, The system adopted corresponded
in its broad outlines to that of China, but not merely a imitation.
For examples, the unified Silla, Koryo and Chosen established the
balance of power between the royal court and the bureaucrats which
did not arise generally in China.
28
the three nations rests on Confucianism. The collectivism of
Asian countries can be explained by its Confucian cultural
background. Japan successfully accomplished economic
development using Confucian culture as a base. During the
Cold War period Chinese collectivism was expressed through
communism, but it was an inefficient system. Collective
Confucian culture can serve as a stabilizing factor in the
transition from communism to capitalism in China. Individuals
in collective cultures tend to be more patient in achieving
individual needs than in individualistic culture.
Because of Japan's advanced economic development,
many people from other countries want to learn about Japanese
culture. The Japanese also have a very strong pride. In
general, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cultures are more
spiritual than material, even though they have wanted to
develop material economies. The core of these cultures
remains spiritual. Through their long histories Korea and
China have traditionally maintained good relationships,
except during the Korean War. Korea and Japan have also
maintained good relationships, except between AD 1492-1497
during the Imjin Wae Ran (Korea-Japan War), and between 1910
and 1945.
2. The United States and Russia
Relationships between the United States, Korea, and
29
Russia date from the 19th century. At that time Russia
established a close relationship with Korea. But in 1905,
Russia experienced a bitter war with Japan, whose troops were
better trained and equipped than those of Russia.' 4 Korea's
Chosen dynasty experienced small conflicts with U.S. ships on
the west coast of Korea when the US tried to open
international relationships with Korea in the late 19th
century. But the two sides soon established official
relationships. Since World War II South Korea and the United
States have established strong cooperative relationships.
Russia has long been interested in the Korean peninsula and
has tried to get along well with Korea since the 19th century.
This is because Russia could access the Pacific Ocean easily
only through the Korean peninsula. During the Cold War period
the Soviet Union maintained close relations with North Korea.
Since the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, Russia and South Korea
have reestablished diplomatic relations through a variety of
cooperative programs. Relations between Korea and Russia have
developed through economic, social, cultural, political
efforts. Except for the Cold War period Korea and Russia did
not experience any serious conflict or confrontation. Russia
14 Peter J. Katzenstein and Nobuo Okawara, "Japan's National
Security: Structures, Norms and Policies, pp. 85-115,"
International Security(Spring,1993), from the Meiji Restoration of
1868 until the end of Pacific War, a strong military have been the
main objective of Japanese security policy.
30
has been interested in the South Korean economic development
model due to its domestic economic problems.
During the Cold War the United States confronted the
USSR to resist communist expansion on the Korean peninsula.
It established cooperative relations with South Korea to
achieve this goal. The United States has supported South
Korea and can have pride in South Korea's economic and
political development. In the 1990s South Korea achieved its
political development after consolidating its economic
progress. 15 Korea has a large population, and it is a market
for United States agriculture. Korea is also a good market
for US defense industries.
Military tensions between the superpowers have
disappeared on the Korean peninsula with the end of the Cold
War. This is a good opportunity for Korea to prepare for its
reunification.
15 On the 25th of February 1993, President Kim Young Sam's
administration started. This means an event of political peaceful
evolution in Korean history after a long period of authoritarian
politics since World War II.
31
IV. INTERNAL & EXTERNAL RELATIONS
In the context of the current political, economic and
military environments, Korea needs to prepare for coming
changes by examining how to use this situation to the best
advantage. Korea is in a unique position to take advantage of
this situation. The four big powers can also strengthen the
system and help build a better future for Korea and for the
region.
A. INTERNAL RELATING OF SOUTH AND NORTH KOREA
South Korea has a pool of well-educated, trained and
experienced manpower. It has a competitive educational
system. North Korea, similar to the former East Germany, has
not developed an efficient open market system, but it has
potentially competitive people who might be well adapted if
they were to establish a new free market system. Even though
North Korea does not have an efficient market, they will
change easily to a market system if they align with South
Korea, because both countries still have similar traditional
value systems. Some of these factors derive from Korean
cultural characteristics, including spiritual and emotional
motivations, and the efficient alphabet, Han'gul.
To reduce the differences between South and North Korea,
both sides must try to meet more positively, with full
confidence and trust. Because North Korea has lost her
32
powerful ally, the USSR, South Korea can assume a more
flexible rcle. In a few years, after the nuclear issue is
resolved, both Koreas will be able to establish more
cooperative agreements concerning economic, social, cultural
integration, environmental protection, family unification, and
military issues. Both sides would need more time to complete
a full official unification through political resolutions.
B. EXTERNAL RELATIONS WITH JAPAN, RUSSIA, CHINA
AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
As an open system, Korea needs to consider the regional
environment, including Japan, China, Russia, the United
States, and other related countries.
In a short period, Korea will be competitive with Japan.
Japan's economic environment is similar to Korea's.
Therefore, these two countries can be competitive in relation
to the Russian and Chinese markets. But for regional
security, Japan would need to be cooperative in the process of
Korean unification. If Japan considers that the two Korea
situation was the result of the World War II, it would be more
cooperative towards Korean unification and regional stability.
Japan's policies toward the two Koreas could not be the
same since 1945 because Japan and South Korea have been
aligned in the same bloc against the communist bloc. Japan
has officially supported South Korea and normalized diplomatic
relations since 1965 after 20 years of uncomfort due to the
33
35-year colonial experience." Because of historical
sensitiveness and rivalries through wars, colonialism, and
economic competition, Japan's behavior toward Korea was not
cooperative. Both South and North Korea sustained negative
feelings toward the Japanese and these feelings were
reciprocated. Some Koreans complained about Japan's dual
foreign policy toward the two Koreas. Japan's attitudes and
national interests were created through it's conservative
bureaucrat system. On the road toward Korean unification
Japan's role might not be favorable. But if Japan can apply
Maslow's hierarchy of human needs to its foreign policy it
will improve its political, economic, and cultural behavior
toward external nations.
Since the end of 19th century, Russia has traditionally
been a good friend, except during the Korean war. Russia will
be very cooperative toward Korean unification. Because Russia
has a large underdeveloped territory in Siberia, Korean
industrial corporations can participate in Siberian
development. Also, because many Koreans have lived there, the
transition for Korean companies to work in Russia will be
easy. Russia is directly borders North Korea. The
relationship between Korea and Russia is critical to the
16 Ralph N. Clough, Embattled Korea: The rivalry for
International Support, (Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press,1987)
pp.221-223.
34
unification process as well as regional and world peace.
China has traditionally been a good friend throughout
most of Korean history. In AD 1596, the Ming dynasty sent
allied forces into Korea during the Korea-Japan War. The big
struggle between China and Korea was broken up during the 7th
century. As mentioned above, Koguryo confronted successfully
the Sui and T'ang troops. Since then, these two countries
have not engaged any direct conflict except during Korean War.
China is very different from Russia, especially in cultural
terms. China has been a Confucian society. This Confucian
heritage was one of the obstacles on the road toward modern
industrial revolution and western democracy.
But the recent situation is different from past periods
in which many Asian countries needed to concentrate on low
level human needs such as security and basic economic
development. Korean culture can be characterized as a blend
of Confucianism and western democratic values. Despite its
some weaknesses, Confucianism still affects Chinese society as
a powerful cultural tradition. Even though China still does
not have a high GNP, it is stable, and the people seem to be
happy. China feels that it is the cultural center of the
world, and will continue to be in the future. If we
understand China's cultural character, it is not strange that
China still maintains a good relationship with North Korea,
as it believes that North and South Korea are both good
35
friends and the only obstacles are the uncompleted Cold War.
In terms of spiritual and emotional values, Korea and China
are very close.
China has a large population and many cultural assets.
These factors will benefit Korean economic and social
development. But a more important point is the recovery of an
old friendship. China will never be an obstacle to Korean
unification and future. Their main concern will be how to
maintain and develop friendships with North and South Korea.
The United States has been a strong ally of South Korea
since the Korean War in 1945. Presently, the United States
has improved its relationship with South Korea with respect to
the regional security of East Asia, and has demonstrated
economic, political and educational cooperation, and
social/cultural affection. The relationship between South
Korea and United States is a whole system of cooperation.
With the support of the United States, and a prominent Korean
cultural identity reemerging, Korea has the fastest growing
economy of the past few decades. Korea will also have the
fastest growing political development after a few more years.
36
V. OPPORTUNITIES OF REGIONAL NATIONS IN
RELATION TO THE KOREAN PENINSULA
In an open system framework related to functional and
motivational factors, there are opportunities for Northeast
Asian regional members to work towards Korean unification and
regional security.
A. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE UNITED STATES
The United States has been involved in the Korean
peninsula security issue since 1945. In the fast changing
international environment, a review of the US opportunities on
the Korean peninsula would be helpful in exploring Korean
reunification and understanding given fundamental US interests
in the area.
1. Systemic Framework
The main actors in Northeast Asia are South Korea,
Japan, Russia, China and the U.S. To accomplish its goals in
this area, the United States needs to have a long-range as
well as a short-term policy or strategy based on American
national interests and security policy.
What are the US goals, policies, strategies,
interests and security concerns in relation to the Korean
Peninsula? Why, how, and when would the United States work
for those purposes? These questions are fundamental issues
for the United States, Korea, and other regional countries.
37
Based on the motivational hierarchy and the
functional frame-work, the ideal goal of the United States'
national interests would be to achieve self-actualization.
This theoretical principle can also be applied to domestic and
oti egional policies of the United States. In practical
situations, the visible policies are political, economic and
military relations.
2. Overview: The US, Korea and the Region
During the Korean War and the early period of Cold
War, the United States was in a position of lender(giver) for
South Korea and Japan. The United States was satisfied with
a high level human motivation as a lender and also received a
certain level of satisfaction as a receiver by defending
against communist expansion by the former USSR and China
during the Cold War.
Since the end of the Cold War, the US role is more
balanced in terms of giver and receiver in relation to the
Korean peninsula and the Northeast Asian region. South Korea
has grown as an economic, political, diplomatic and military
counterweight to the United States. China also has grown as
an economic counterweight to the United States. This change
will help China to open its closed system."'
" 17China with the biggest population of 1.2 billion annual trade
with the United States has been growing recently, China's gross
national product is one third the level of Japan; Richard J.
38
It is the most advanced economic power in the
Northeast Asian region. During the Cold War the United States
was mainly a giver in terms of Japan's national security. As
a free rider in defense costs, Japan could grow quickly in
economic terms. At present, Japan has grown as a competitive
economic threat to the United States. Japan's trade surplus
from the United States has been estimated to be about 60
billion dollars in 1993, which is 1% of the United States'
gross national product.
Russia has changed from a closed system to open
system. Economically, Russia is in a difficult situation in
the short term, but in the long term it may show good results.
In the present situation the United States is in a giver
position toward Russia economically. In the framework of
functional and human needs, the United States is a winner in
Northeast Asia during the Cold War. But if we consider the
human needs framework, we recognize that the Cold War was not
completed. For example, during the Cold War period, a main US
objective, democracy based on the open and free market, was
not established. Using this criterion, only the confrontation
between blocs was over but the main goal of global
democratization was not completed.
Ellings and Edward A. Olsen, "Asia's challenge to American
strategy, "(NBR analysis, June 1992) p.58, China's economy may even
approach the size of Japan's by 2010-2015 it can sustain its
momentum.
39
3. FUture Opportunities
If during the Cold War period the United States'
original goal was mainly national security (i.e., low level
human needs) from the former USSR's expansionist threat, US
goals on the Korean peninsula has almost been achieved. But
if the United States has other objectives (i.e., a higher
level of human needs), the United States will find further
moral obligations in this region. For example, if the United
States can maintain good domestic conditions, such as
economic, political, social and military conditions, it will
try to support infinitely Korean regional needs and other
world needs. If the United States is not in good domestic
condition, it will support Korea and other nations at a
limited level. If the United States does not have any
additional capability, it may not support Korea and the
regional nations.
According to the human needs and functional
frameworks, any country which has excess material capability
or additional moral, spiritual obligation will try to support
others to accomplish its motivational needs, i.e., political
or social belongingness, self-esteem, self-actualization.
As a giver, the United States may have several
choices regarding regional security: full support; limited
support; and non-support. As a balanced giver and receiver,
40
the United States will get some benefit. For example, a
unified Korea will maintain and improve its healthy economic,
political, cultural, and military relations with the United
States as an ally.18 The practical final outcomes of United
States policies on the Korean peninsula are dependent on
domestic US politics and on the external bilateral or
multinational foreign relations of the United States within a
political, social, cultural, economic, and military context.
During the Cold War the United States devoted many
troops, supplies, defense resources, concerns, and policies to
the Korean peninsula. Now many people say that the Cold War
is over, and are reconsidering "what is the optimal level of
involvement on the Korean peninsula of the United States"? To
solve this problem we can ask "what are US needs and
motivations in Korea"? In regard to historical relations or
investment on the Korean peninsula, the United States' final
motivation or goal in Korea is peaceful and democratic Korean
reunification. The United States would be satisfied with the
achievement based on self-actualization. But United States
will still have some concerns in relation to the uncertainty
on the Korean peninsula.
is Lee Sang-Woo and others, Tong Ii Si Dae; The Times of
Unification of the year 2000: Korean Unification Scenario, (Seoul,
Korea, Dong-A Il-Bo,1993)pp. 96-97, Korean population was 65.3
million in 1991, and in a near future the population will grow up
to 72 million in AD 2000, and 79 million in 2010 which is estimated
the 11th population with 10th economic power in the world.
41
As a receiver, the United States will have
optimistic anticipation through Korean unification, because
Korea will become a more optimal economic unit as a US
economic partner. Also, in terms of Korean cultural
perception, Korea will not forget the United States' sacrifice
and contribution over half a century in Korea, Korea will
therefore remain a strong future friend of the United States.
With success on the Korean peninsula, the United States will
also be able to establish good relationships with other
regional nations: China, Japan, Russia, and Southeast Asia and
India. The United States cannot address the entire world in
its effort to establish democracy. Therefore, the burden for
democracy should be shared. Korea has received much from the
United States and from the United Nations. Unified Korea will
initiate democratization in cooperation with the United
States. Korean's cooperation can be understood with ancient
Chosen philosophy HONG IK IN GAN.
Unified Korea can also consider more positive
factors in terms of human needs. Korea will need to consider
both the optimistic and pessimistic impact of change in its
international environment. In considering interdependent
relations, Korea must prepare policy alternatives. If Korea
can stay as a free rider position in terms of unification and
regional security, it would be most efficient. Yet this would
not be allowed among the Korean people due to their cultural
42
orientation.
B. JAPAN
Since World War II Japan has grown to superpower economic
status, similar to unified Germany's, in the world economy.
Because Japan has limited land and natural resources, its
economic characteristics are interdependent with other
nations. In its past experiences, Japan's expansionism is
explained by geo-economically interdependent environmental
factors. Japan's expansionism can be explained through the
Korea-Japan War of 1592-1598, Ch'ing-Japan War of 1895, the
Russo-Japan War of 1905, and the two World War engagements of
the 20th century. After World War II, Japan's expansionism
has been continued mainly by economic activities, not by
military involvement. Japan's economic expansionism may be
successful in terms of its economic motivation. In terms of
the regional and global situations, Japan's expansionism can
not be considered completely successful because of the
unbalanced trade outcomes. With respect to its population and
natural resources, Japan traditionally feels deficiencies of
the basic human safety needs to establish a more secure
resource-supplying environment. This motivation may
accelerate Japan's economic expansionism infinitely.
In reality, Japan's recent economic growth through
economic expansion was possible under the United States'
43
defense umbrella and a stable Korean confrontation between the
Cold War blocs. During the Cold War period, while the United
States and South Korea spent around 6% of their GNP because of
the Cold War, Japan spent less than 1% of its GNP on defense.
Geopolitically within the Northeast Asian regional security
context, Japan should not be exception to the defense budget
issue. But in reality Japan was a free rider in the Cold War
context. After the Cold War was over, the United States did
not feel a critical threat, as it did during the former Cold
War situation. Northeast Asia, including Japan, needs to
reconsider regional defense burden sharing questions and selfdetermination
in the near future. Japan will probably feel
more obligation for regional security in Asia. Recently
Japan's peacekeeping participation in Cambodia and its
increased contribution to the defense burden can be explained
by these post-Cold War environmental changes.
Japan's choices on the Korean unification issue need to
be considered within the regional environmental framework.
Japan can consider several possibilities. Among the choices
the general options would be 1) a continuation of the present
South and North Korean confrontation, 2) a unification by
South Korea and North Korea within the regional framework. An
agreed paradigm on Korean unification would be a peaceful,
incremental, functional approach. Generally speaking, among
these possibilities, Korea will be able to choose one
44
alternative for Korean unification.
Japan can have a high level of moral motivation, for
example, a sense of belongingness to international society,
self-esteem, and self-actualization based on Japan's pride in
its successful economic achievement. Japan may choose more a
cooperative stance in relation to Korean reunification and
regional obligations. But if Japan wants to stay at a lower
level of human motivation and concentrate on economic safety,
its choice will be limited to minimum cooperation with
regional and global nations. I want to be optimistic in terms
of Japan's cultural identity, because Japan has unique
historical values combined with traditional Confucianism and
the unique Japanese spirit. Therefore, Japan's choice will
probably be the cooperative and creative, as one of the
leading nations in the region and the global environment of
the 21st century.
C. CHINA
Since the Korean War and during the Cold War period China
had been a big obstacle to South Korea. But given the recent
trends, South Korea does not feel such a threat from China.
Since the Korean War, China has been aligned with North Korea.
But in the recent cooperative economic environment, the
relationship between South Korea and China has been
45
improving. 1" Even though China still has not given up its North
Korean security alliance, China's negative role on the Korean
peninsula has been reduced. China's policy on the Korean
peninsula may well be cooperative in the present and future.
Even though China has not given up communism officially, in
reality China has gradually undergone considerable
transformation. But in terms of China's cultural bias based
on Confucianism, it will not officially abandon communism.
The original form of communism will disappear while the
efficient capitalist, free market system flows into the
Chinese market to replace the inefficient former communist
economic system. Historically, the results of external
invasions in China were absorbed by Chinese society. For
example, the Yuan Emperor and the Ch'ing dynasty, which were
derived from external invasions, was eventually absorbed into
traditional Chinese culture. From this observation, communism
will also not survive in China, but will be absorbed into
China's long historical cultural identity. China will not ask
North Korea and others to keep communism. North Korea will
learn from Chinese behavior and will not ask South Korea and
others to adopt communism. Based on this observation the
"19 The Korean Statistics of 1991, (Korean Statistics Agency,
1992), Export and Import with China of South Korea; 1981:$74.6
million, 1986:$744.3 million, 1991:$4,443 million. Based on this
Economic environment South Korea and China established their full
diplomatic relations in spring of 1991.
46
conflict over communism will not be continued in Korea and
China. A new style of capitalism might be developed which is
adaptive to Confucian philosophy.
With the Cold War over, the conflict between communism
and capitalism is also over. The remaining obligation is how
to guide the late communist nations of China and North Korea.
China will not be an obstacle to Korean unification if there
is no direct threat to the transitional Chinese system from
nominal communism to practical capitalism within the Chinese
cultural context. Chiina will try to learn about free market
aconomies from its neighbors such as Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and
from the United States.
D. RUSSIA
The relationship between South Korea and Russia has
improved very much since the end of the Cold War. With respect
to its cultural orientation, Russia is more familiar with
western culture and seems to belong to the western bloc.
Currently, Russia is concentrating on its own economic
development. Russia will try to have good relations with
South Korea, and in contrast to China, Russia will have closer
relations with South Korea than North Korea. Russia's
transition to political democracy and the free-market has been
more explosive than China's, therefore, Russia's politics and
economy have not been stable. In this situation, Russia will
47
try to get economic support from other regional or global
nations. South Korea might be in a better situation than
North Korea to assist in Russia's economic and political
transition. 20 Russia also will have an opportunity to support
Korean unification with its traditional higher level human
motivation. During the Cold War period the former Soviet
Union was the most difficult obstacle to South Korea. But in
the post Cold War era Russia will affect South Korean
unification policy positively by affecting political
democratization and economic transformation in North Korea.
20 South Korean Statistics of 1991, ( Statistics Agency of Korea
,1992), trade trend between South Korea and Russia; 1981:$11.4
million, 1986: $803.0 million, 1991: $1,246.6 million.
48
VI. LESSONS FROM OTHER REUNIFICATION CASES
After the 1988 Seoul Olympics, while Germany was in the
process of reunification, many South Koreans believed they
would experience a similar process. Since then many South
Koreans have realized that the German situation is different
from that of the Koreans. In 1989 and 1990, when North and
South Yemen unified, some Korean people began to be concerned
about Yemen, which was not familiar to the Korean people. Many
South Koreans believed that Korean reunification would not
come in the same way as the German or Yemeni cases. The
general belief was that Korean unification would be
accomplished through peaceful, incremental, and functional
approaches.
A. GERMAN REUNIFICATION
I. From West and East Germany to One Germany
Germany was divided into East and West Germany in
1945 when World War II was concluded. After 45 years of
confrontation, on the 3rd of October in 1990, the two
Germanies achieved their reunification. With the Cold War
over, the two Germanies took an independent position to
determine their future among the Big Four nations frame-work
of the US, British, France and the USSR. The East German
people, who recognized that their communist system had not
49
been efficient in comparison to West German capitalism, gave
up its communist system. It was difficult to anticipate such
a fast German reunification. There have been many
controversies concerning the road to German reunification in
terms of economic, social, and political inefficiency. The
West German people had to bear heavy economic and financial
burdens of reunification. Because the East German people were
not accustomed to the capitalist free market system, they
forced a difficult transition process from communism to the
capitalist system with psychological frustration and
unemployment. Through the transition process they had to
overcome many conflicts on the issues of equity and property
ownership. 21 The abrupt German reunification has contributed
to Europe, to the world, and to Korea an exciting, hopeful
future. By studying Germany's experiences, Korea will be able
to learn the advantages and disadvantages for its own future
reunification.
2. Applying the German Case to the Korean Peninsula
The German case is highly relative to the Korean
situation. When the opportunity came, the German people
accomplished their reunification very quickly with their
21In case of Korean Reunification Korea also will need to solve
similar economic issue. In solving ownership issue of former land
owner the Twenty First Century Committee is favoring a compensation
policy by government than return to the former land owner (Tong-IL
Si-Dae P.110).
50
accumulated historical self actualization and infinite energy,
even though controversies over the cost of reunification
remain. I think South and North Korea will have a similar
experience. The difference between the two cases are the
internal and external environments. For a lasting Korean
reunification, South Korea must not act in haste because the
Korean peninsula has been in a different situation from
Germany's.
a. The Similar Factors of Korea and Germany
Among international environmental frame-works,
both of the nations have been building their own unique
culture, language, homogenous people, and pride through their
historical development. Both nations experienced a painful
national separation for a half century since World War II.
Both nations' enthusiasm for their reunification was very
strong. From the confrontation during the Cold War period,
West Germany and South Korea could win over the other sides,
East Germany and North Korea, with efficient economic and
political systems.
b. The Differences Retween Korea and Germany
Germany was a positive and offensive power
during the first part of the 20th century. During the same
period, on the contrary, Korea had to fight colonial
domination. In this respect Germany had higher selfesteem and
51
the confidence to establish their unification than Korea. For
Korea, it has taken several decades to escape from the
colonialism complex and to re-establish selfesteem or self
actualization energy. Koreans' readiness for reunification is
not mature in comparison to the two Germanies.
Germany had not experienced a severe civil war
between West and East Germany. But South and North Korea
experienced a critical Korean War between the same people.
This fact is a great obstacle on the road to Korean
unification. As a result of the Korean War, the Korean
peninsula has the most tense military situation in the world.
Without reducing this military confrontation, peaceful
unification will not be possible.
During the Cold War, Germany promoted mutual
trust between the West and East. This positively affected
unconditional reunification. South and North Korea have been
trying to increase mutual relationships but it has not been
helpful in improving mutual trust because of the deep pain of
the Korean War.
In comparative terms, the German case was more
defensive than the Korean situation, because Germany was
responsible for causing the World War. The Korean peninsula
does not have s'ch an international weakness. Korea is in a
52
favorable position to reunify. 22
In terms of the economic, political, social and
military situations, the two Germanies were in a better
situation than Korea. For example, before its unification,
West Germany had the highest trade surplus and was in a more
stable situation politically than South Korea. In addition,
the military confrontation was less tense.
In terms of historical national identity, Korea
was similar to Germany, and its motivation is very high. But
because of the 20th century's unfortunate experience on the
Korean peninsula, unification has yet to be accomplished.
Because of the different environment, Korea's economic
capability, political and social stability, and mutual trust
has not matured to the degree seen in Germany. But the global
and regional environment is better than the German situation.
For example, with the Cold War over and Germany unified, no
one is in a negative position vis-a-vis Korean reunification.
There are no veto powers in the UN and there are no veto
powers in the region. This is the time to show traditional
Korean self determination even though the economic, political
and military situations are not matured to the German level.
Even though German-style unification would not be efficient on
22 Rho Chan-Baek, The Post Cold War National Unification, pp.
108-109, Cold War end Xorean Peninsula does not have any
international obstacles.
53
the Korean peninsula, there will be a Korean-style
reunification.
B. YMUNI EtUNIFICATION
Socialist South Yemen and capitalist North Yemen
accomplished their unification through peaceful negotiations.
Yemen could achieve its unification without military conflict.
Similar to the German case after the Cold War, the two Yemens
accomplished their unification in 1990. This is a unique
example. While Vietnam was unified by war, Yemen was unified
without war. Germany was reunified by a one-sided absorption;
Yemen was unified through careful negotiation. The Yemeni
example shows the possibility that peaceful negotiations can
solve very difficult political issues, including unification.
But in view of recent trends in Yemen, the case shows the
potential for negative unstable outcomes. From Yemen, we can
learn that unification without accumulated social, economic
and political integration may bring inefficient results, as
the recent outbreak of civil war proves. A quick unification
through negotiation would be difficult to achieve in Korean
because the North maintains a one party political system which
does not allow multiparty democracy. In contrast, South Korea
has implemented a multiparty democratic political system which
54
cannot be a topic of negotiation. Therefore South Korea will
be unable to choose this approach."
2 Lee Sang-Woo, "Unification Scenario," Tong-IL Si-Dae: The
Times of Unification of the year 2000, The Twenty First Century
Committee, (Seoul, Korea: Dong-A IL Bo Sa, 1993). pp. 12, 33-35,
Lee's opinion is also negative on the approach by an abrupt
political negotiation without incremental functional approach
because North Korea has been keeping a single political party
system, contrast South Korea has applied a competitive democracy.
55
VII. KOREAN ALTERNATIVES
As an open system and a subsystem of the regional and
global environments, the two Koreas will try to accomplish
Korean reunification and thus contribute to regional and
global security. As an open system Korean unification can be
accomplished more efficiently with regional and global
assistance. In discussing alternatives I will review: (a)
general objectives of national, regional, and global
perspectives based on human needs motivations, political
processes and synthetic thought, (b) the need for continuous
change in the post-Cold War context, (c) the efforts and
trends for change on the Korean peninsula and throughout the
region, (d) the need for cooperative efforts, (e) alternatives
for Korean unification, and (g) perspectives on post-Korean
unification.
A. GENERAL GOALS: NATIONAL, REGIONAL & GLOBAL
PERSPECTIVES
The 37th President of the United States of America
Richard M. Nixon pursued four major goals in his foreign
policy.24 These were to establish peace, freedom, the freemarket,
and democracy through around the world. Professor
Edward A. Olsen says that "Americans pursue peace, stability,
"24 President Nixon stressed his major foreign policies in a
interview with a CNN reporter Bernard Shaw at New York on 15th of
January in 1992.
56
and prosperity in Asia," through his analysis of "Asia's
Challenge to American Strategy." 25 Professor John Arquilla
cited three factors in American Urand Strategy which are
political democratization, economic marketization and military
preponderance.26 Former Secretary of State George Shultz
stressed democracy and the free-market as the important
factors in US foreign policy toward Russia in the post Cold
War period. He also suggested that peace would be achieved by
strength.2 ' From these addresses, we can understand that
America's essential foreign policy goals are peace, freedom,
prosperity, and stability based on democracy, free-market and
strength. These general goals can be applied to any country
and any regional unit in the post-Cold War era.
According to Maslow's human needs model, the general
goals of peace, freedom, prosperity, and democracy reflect
higher level human needs. Any country or regional group in a
difficult situation will concentrate on lower level human
needs, such as specific economic or national safety. But they
are in a good circumstances they will pursue more positively
25 Richard J. Ellings and Edward A. Olsen, "Asia's Challenge
To American Strategy," NBR Analysis, (The National Bureau of Asian
Research, Vol. 3, No. 2, June 1992), p. 1 3 .
26 Prof. John J. Arquilla, a lecture on Regional Security
Course, Winter quarter, 1994.
"27 George Shultz the former Secretary of States of the United
States of America, A Lecture on the US foreign policy at Johns
Hopkins University, April, 1994.
57
the general goals of the higher level human needs based
Maslow's human needs motivation model.
In reality, nations conduct their foreign or domestic
policies not on the basis of theoretical or analytical
methods, but rather on policies which are derived from
domestic and international political processes. Therefore in
a vulnerable political situation the outcomes of foreign
policies will concentrate mainly on domestic economic benefits
accrued. Alternatively in highly motivated countries, the
outcome of political foreign policies achieve a higher level
of human needs such as foreign support for peace, freedom and
democracy based on moral historical obligation and national
pride. In practical situations, political outcomes come from
synthetic value judgements using qualitative and quantitative
information analysis and a political decision-making process.
Using the political decision process causes tremendous power
struggling among the president, congress, people, news media,
research group, and interest groups. If the participants'
standards are high, the political outcomes will be of high the
quality. But because sometimes the majority decisions made
through normal political process can be imperfect, care should
be taken in making decisions in any uncertain situations.
58
In the international framework the official decision
makers are normally high level government groups.
Representatives of any nation will consider national interest
whenever they decide international issues. In these situations
the decision makers should consider a comprehensive
circumstance with a combination of human needs and national
activities with low level domestic needs (i.e. to receive
economic, military benefit) and also higher level national
needs (i.e. to give foreign support in economic, military,
political, social, cultural support for peace, freedom,
democracy, and prosperity). In relation to this discussion,
George Shultz's opinion will be helpful to understand
synthetic foreign policies.2" He stressed five key points to
conduct foreign policies: a) Because domestic policy and
foreign policy are interactive, we need to reorganize thinking
methods to consider both sides; b) Diplomacy is not competing,
it is compromising; c) To conduct foreign policies, we need to
have global thinking because the whole world sees the behavior
of foreign policies; d) We need to have vision, for example
we need to know where we are now and where we are going; e) We
need to be proud of America. I think Secretary Shultz's
opinion explains well the importance of an open system
approach as an example which considers the past, present, and
28 Shultz, at the same lecture of Johns Hopkins University in
April 1994, lectured the five key points.
59
future environmental context in order to achieve national or
regional and global system objectives.
In the Korean context, South and North Korea, the United
States of America, Russia, China, and Japan can participate as
positive role players to solve the Korean and the Northeast
and North Pacific regional issues. In this Korean context
they can concentrate on their own economic or safety benefits,
or they can consider mutual and mult iple participants'
future. It would be reasonable choice if the participants
maximize mutual and multiple participants' benefits with a
higher level of matured human needs motivation perspectives.
Eventually focus on the higher level human needs will be
helpful for all of the participants in terms of long range
national and regional global perspective.
B. THE POST-COLD WAR ENVIRONMENT
In terms of the open system approach, whenever the
environment changes the systems also need to change in order
to survive, to develop, or to be balanced in the new
environment. With the recent end of the Cold War,
international political, economic, military and social
contexts are achieving a new balance in regionally and
globally. Countries have to change themselves to survive and
to achieve their goals in the new world order.
Strategic planning is needed both regionally and
60
nationally to adept to the post-Cold War period. These
strategic plans can include visible, tangible, and official
written documents and procedures, they can be implemented by
an invisible, intangible, unintentional approach. This change
can come through a regional level, national government level,
or private business level. With the Global Cold War
concluded, the global trends of democratization, freemarketization,
political development, nonproliferation of
nuclear arms, affect public and private sectors, politically,
economically, socially, through governmental, regional and
global levels. When the environment changes, every level of
an organization will need to be changed to accommodate to new
environment. As part of this change the Korean peninsula and
the regional nations can not be the exception, they must
change to survive and adapt to the new environment. In
reality they have been adjusting to the environmental change.
Korean and regional alternatives should be considered to
survive and to adapt to the changing environment with the
post-Cold War trend. If the national, regional, and global
systems do not adjust to the changing environerd they will
not survive efficiently.
C. REGIONAL NATIONS AND THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
With the Cold War at an end, the two Koreas and the
regional and global nations have been devoting themselves to
61
adapt to the changes. We can briefly review the changes in
Korea and the regional nations.
1. South Korea: South Korea has developed new strategies
to adapt itself to the new environment while the Cold War came
to an end. For example, based on Korea's traditional cultural
identity and strong relations with the United States, South
Korea has accomplished its economic, and political development
based on traditionally enthusiastic self-actualization
motivation energy. South Korea has improved international
relations with regional nations such as the former Soviet
Union, the successor Russia, and China through Buck Bang Woe
Gyo national grand strategy (which intended to open and
improve international relations with north countries such as
the former communist counties like the Soviet Union, China,
Mongolia, and East Europe). This Buck Bang Woe Gyo culminated
through the host activities of the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and
the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. In preparation for the 1988
Seoul Olympic Games in particular, the South Korean Government
made tremendous diplomatic efforts to invite all the communist
bloc countries. With the exception of Cuba and North Korea,
all countries participated in Seoul Olympic Games. As the host
of the 1988 Olympic Games South Korean's feelings for the
communist bloc peoples changed from antagonism to friendship.
This new attitude toward communist countries enabled the Seoul
Government to improve diplomatic relations with the former
62
Soviet Union, the main successor Russia, China, Hungary and
the other former communist countries.
2. North Korea: North Korea has been a comparatively
closed system. (Through this thesis discussion, as its relates
to international relations, I am defining South and North
Korea as a traditional and historically open system in
pursuing one Korean system. During the unsolved Cold War
period there are two Koreas.)
Throughout the ending of the Cold War and communists
countries collapse, North Korea was in a vulnerable
situation,--- North Koreas' government felt a kind of
isolation and domino phenomena. 2' When South Korea achieved
UN membership in September 1991, North Korea participated in
the United Nations as an official member. North Korea did not
have other choices from the isolation internationally.
Recently North Korea has been involved in the nuclear issue.
This might be the final card played by North Korea in order to
survive from the changes in the era of the Cold War. The
nuclear issue is a very different fundamental issue because it
can threaten on all Korea's identity and regional or global
security. Therefore a very cautious and sincere solution
2Richard J. Ellings and Edward A. Olsen, p. 96.
63
should be sought."0
3. Soviet Union and Russia: With the Cold War ending the
S. U. has become a key player in the economic free-market. The
f ormer Soviet Union and the main successor Russia established
diplomatic relations with South Korea. Political, and economic
relations have been improving private sector and
public sector initiatives. Without war the former superpower
is heading in a better direction. External relations for
Russia should improve. Russia's smooth transition is most
important issue in the world. Therefore there should be
sincere global cooperation for Russia and the surrounding
nations: the democratization and free marketization are not
complete, consequently instability such as nuclear disarmament
still exists in Russia and the surrounding area.
4. China: Since establishing diplomatic relations with
the United States of America in 1972, China has been improving
economic and political standards. Through the positive
participation to the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and 1988 Seoul
Olympic Games, China has been improving economic and political
relationship with South Korea. In 1992 China and South Korea
created full diplomatic relations. In essence, China changed
to a new direction economically and politically from the
30 Paul Bracken, "Nuclear Weapon and State Survival in North
Korea," Survival: The IISS quarterly, Vol. 35/No.3, PP. 137-153,
Autumn 1993, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Ed. by
Michael Brown, London:WC2E 7NQ.
64
former closed Cold War communists system to an economic freemarket
and political democracy. China is establishing an
increasing market in the US and South Korea. China's
contribution to the transition has been a large in relation
to the Korean peninsula, Northeast Asia and North pacific
region, and global context politically and economically.
5. Japan: Japan's contribution in relation to the Korean
peninsula, and the Northeast Asia and North Pacific region has
not been positive. In some sense historically Japan was a
trouble maker by waging aggressive wars such as Chosen and
Japan War in 1592-1598, Ch'ing and Japan War in 1894, Russia
and Japan War of 1905, and Japan's aggression to Korea, China
and Russia during the first half part of the 20th century.
Since the end of World War II, Japan has been seen as a freerider
in relation to the Cold War. For example, while the
Korean peninsula was engaging in the Korean War as part of
the Cold War confrontation, Japan raised its economy in the
wartime economy as the logstic basement of the Korean War.
During the Cold War period while the Korean peninsula was
involved with a heavy defense burden, Japan engaged mainly in
its economic development.
"31By Clinton administration (President's address, May 1994)
recent China's annual export volume to the USA was 30 billion
dollars.
65
Recent global and regional changes have been enforcing
Japan's positive contributions regionally and globally. For
example, because of the diminishing threat from Russia and
China the United States of America does not feel the need to
maintain such a heavy defensive line as it had during the Cold
War period." The regional nations need to share the burden
of security (in terms of Maslow's lower level human needs
concept) and further more regional and global development
burden (in terms of Maslow's higher level human needs
concept). In relation to this argument Japan has been
changing its role by sharing the Gulf War cost of 10.1
billion dollars, by sharing defense expenses with the allied
nations, and by participating in peace keeping operations in
Cambodia. 33 In respect to Japan's advanced economic
development, there should be more positive role playing by
Japan in contributing to stable world and regional trade
balances, and contributing to balanced mutual and multinational
economic development. Japan should be positive
participant in APEC. In relation to the Korean unification
32Richard J. Ellings and Edward A. Olsen P.6, The authors say
that the effect of future war would be regional. As the Northeast
Asian Regional nations Japan and Korea may need to share
obligations for regional security.
33 Terasawa, Katsuaki L. and William R. Gates, "Burden-Sharing
in the Persian Gulf:Lessons Learned and Implications for the
Future," Defense Analysis. Vol. 9. No. 2. 171-195. 1993, Printed in
Great Britain; Ellings and Olsen, P. 14, The US expect burden
sharing from Japan will be 17 billion dollars between 1991-1995.
66
issue, we can anticipate Japan's positive influence to open
and to develop North Korea's economy. Economic development
through freemarket is one of the key factors in democratically
politically and bureaucratically, China is a recent example.
6. The United States of America: The United States of
America, as a super power regionally and globally, has been
playing positive roles in relation to the Korean issue and the
Northeast Asia and North Pacific region issues since 1945. In
respect to the Grand US Strategy for peace, freedom,
prosperity through free-market, democracy and strength are
based on Maslow's higher level self-actualization, the US has
been performing its roles successfully in the Korean peninsula
and toward the regional nations China, Russia, and Japan.
In relation to Korean peninsula the United States of
America has been contributing its Grand Strategy by supporting
South Korea from the communist threat through the Korean War
support and Cold War confrontation, and by supporting
political, economic and social development of South Korea.
Nowadays the one important factor of South Korea's prominent
success in economically, politizally and culturally would be
the combined result of the USA and South Korea's effort based
on the USA's sincere support and South Korea's effort to
accomplish the both sides' self-actualization in terms of
national and people's needs motivation.
67
In relation to China the US supported to improve China's
national sovereignty by establishing diplomatic relations in
1972, and the US supported China's economic development by
increasing mutual trade. Through economic development and
through the market system China has been changing its
substantial economic system from closed system to economic
market system. This economic change in China will lead a
change of political and bureaucratic systems toward democracy.
In relation to human rights issue in China, which was raised
by the US diplomacy and by other UN member countries since
Tiananmen incident of 1989, China might be very cautious in
solving the issue.34 This China's attitude would mean the
China's political and bureaucratic democratization. This
political change also will be the US's contribution in the
region and China to accomplish human goals which would be also
the US's grand strategic goals based on the US pride or the
higher level human motivations such as peace, freedom,
prosperity through economical free-market, political
democracy, and national strength.
Since President Nixon's diplomatic approach to China, the
United States have supported to change the China's economic,
and political trend toward free-market and democracy. Now and
34The Characteristics of China's change in economical,
political and bureaucratic aspects would be incremental change
basis on her Confucian cultural behavior. We can call it "moderate
middle approach." "Joonq-Yonq Sa SanQ".
68
in future China would join more positively to improve regional
and global economic and political development. China may will
contribute future society with its traditional people's pride
based on its Confucian cultural assets.
In relation to the former Soviet Union and Russia the US
has been contributing Russia's transition process with the
USA's diplomatic, economic, political support. Without any
critical wars the USA has been contributing to Russia's freemarketization
economically, democratization politically, and
further more eventually the US might help denuclearization of
Russia and surrounding nations. Present changing process in
Russia is very important stage in the 20th centiury's world
history, because this change means a fundamental change from
a huge threat to establishing world peace of the world
society. During the Russian' political, economical changing
context, South Korea based on its Buck-Bang Weo-Gyo could
establish diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Union
and its successors Russia, Ukraine and others. As an
environmental factor we can understand that the US has been
contributing in normalizing South Korea and Russia relations.
In respect of Korean peninsula, regional and global
context, the US role in Russia has not been completed still.
The Korean peninsula's Cold War is not completed without
Korean unification. And the Korean issue still connected in
the regional political and military context. In relation to
69
solving Korean issue, a better diplomatic relations between
Russia and the US will support to solve Korean issue. And
through the Russia's transition process Russia does not use
efficiently its high skilled and advanced human resources.
For Russia's efficient transition without incident nuclear
threat of military conflict the US's remaining role in Russia
would be to help the Russia's efficient and effective change."'
This sincere approach of the US will help the Korean
unification and the regional security.
In perspective of the Korean peninsula and Northeast
Asian region, the United States' effort was successful, South
Korea's economic and political development, Russia, China's
economic and political changing, Japan's economic development
were the aspects of the US's grand strategy to establish
peace, freedom, prosperity through free-market and democracy
surround the world. The result were also the other aspect of
the US's pride based on the US's historical identity and selfactualization
higher level human needs motivation. But still
the US's pride and moral obligation would not completed in the
Korean context through the Korean peninsula and the
surrounding region. Maybe this is the more important time than
any other period to accomplish the US's grand strategy, and
"35The recent unstable trend in the East Europe countries such
as Ukrain, Hungary, Checkoslovakia in relation to the resistance of
the former communist parties ask for the free world countries to
contribute more sincere efforts.
70
the region and the world's higher level human needs or goals.
D. COMMON EFFORTS TO SOLVE KOREAN AND REGIONAL
ISSUES
The US's grand strategy of the US in foreign policy has
been based on the pursuit of peace, freedom, prosperity,
democracy, and the free-market through a position of strength.
These are also common global goals in the post Cold War
period. To achieve these general goals worldwide, we need to
devote common effort. Future society cannot depend entirely
on one superpower or several nations. Without the Cold War
future society will be more diverse, both regionally and
globally. Security, economic prosperity, and political and
social development will depend more on regional participation.
In the short terms global and regional society will experience
an explosion of diverse human needs which were unattainable in
the authoritarian Cold War context. Recent trends such as the
Soviet Union's collapse into multiple national units, German
and Yemeni unification, South Africa democratization, the
Somali and Bosnian cases, and North Korea's extreme internal
control can be understood as the responses to the end of the
post-Cold War. These explosive conditions can be destructive
if the related national, regional and global systems are
unable to adapt.
This new global context requires that contributions are
based on common efforts strategy. In this global context
71
nations need to pursue their individual national goals. For
example, the Korean peninsula will now make more of effort to
achieve unification than at any other time. South Korea will
take positive steps to achieve unification, in contrast, North
Korea will be more defensive and passive because recent trends
are not in their. China has already started down the road of
free-marketization and democratization. Russia has also begun
a similar transformation. Japan has maintained a threatening
position with its huge trade surplus.3' The United States has
been what would its goals would be in the post-Cold War
period.
From this point of view the post-Cold War demands will be
explosive. Repressed human needs will arise at the intra
national, national and regional levels. This will have a
domino effect at the international level. In the new
environment the US as the only a comprehensive superpower,
cannot supply all the solutions and resources. The US can
play a selective role with limited resources; regional nations
need to play their own roles in a given situations. The US
and the UN can serve to mediate tensions in the explosive
future situation.
Korean unification reflects the explosion of the human
36Japan annual trade surplus toward South Korea was $9 billion
in 1991. (Korean Statistics Agency, 1992) and toward the USA $60
billion in 1993.
72
needs. The two Koreas need to be cautious and sincere if they
wish to solve and manage the problem. Since Korea was one
nation through 1945, it is clear that the unification issue
will be a very explosive issue in the near future. In any
event, hinge upon the general human goals of peace, freedom,
democracy, and the free-market. But if the unification is
achieved through war and absorption there will be tremendous
inefficiency and sacrifice. An inefficient Korean unification
will be perceived as a deep failure among the regional
nations. We need to identify common goals and devote common
efforts. The regional nations are no loger in a competitive
situation. They will compromise and be cooperative based on
recognition of human dignity and national sovereignty. The
traditional tactical maneuvering between individual national
interests will be inefficient in the future situation. We
need to create more substantial fundamental value and
strategies to accomplish common human goals.
E. KOREAN ALTERNATIVES
As a historical open system the Korean peninsula has
pursued its unification to achieve a complete unified national
system. As an unified open system Korea will contribute more
positively to its national future and common regional and
global goals based on its cultural identity expressed in the
philosophy HONG IK IN GAN. This philosophical doctrine will
73
be in accord with more general human goals,such as peace,
freedom, prosperity through the free market and democracy,
based on honest national strength. This doctrine and the
general goals associated within reflect Maslow's higher level
of human needs. These activities can be understood as
comprising Korea's national interest. The specific activities
will be visible not only in economic and military interests,
but they will also include political and social-cultural
factors. These are Korea's traditional higher level
motivations and its spiritual value system with Confucianism
as a cultural base. Within this framework and in the context
regional and global goals, Korean unification will be
accomplished.
In this context we can specify the details of
unification, the role players, and various scenarios on the
road to Korean unity.
1. Common Goals of Unification
Korean unification will help the Korean peninsula
and the region to establish peace, freedom, and prosperity
through open free-markets and democracy. These general goals
match those of post Cold War rod. If the Korean
unification process does not he' ,rea to achieve these
general goals it will not be the . of unification intended.
74
Korean unification will result in a single national
system In economic terms the unified Korea will have an
efficient and competitive free--market system. Politically,
the unified Korea will be democratic. In the unified Korea
will also rearrange its traditional cultural values and
incorporate healthy regional and global values. In military
terms the unified Korea will maintain a minimum level of
mobilization to guarantee the internal security of the
peninsula and contribute regional and global security. The
peninsula's military has been overl-aded as one aspect of its
status as a major theater of operations in the Cold War.
A unified Korea will achieve peace and prosperity
and will contribute to improve regional and global security.
2. Primary Protagonists
The main role players will be South Korea and North
Korea. The regional nations of the United States of America,
China, Russia and Japan will be able to assist in the
unification process through their economic, diplomatic,
political and socio-cultural support. If there is irrational
behavior on behalf of North Korean forces, the United Nations
and the United States of America will help defuse tensions.
During the Cold War period the possibility of Korean
unification was very weak. Korean unification is a very real
75
possibility." The official role players in unification
efforts are South and North Korea's governments. But in
practical terms the role players are South and North Korea's
people who can exert political pressure. If both governments
play insincere roles and do not leaded efficiently, the
people's energy will explode. Therefore the contemporary
period is the most critical time rather than the Cold War
period. Historically Korean people's collective power has
exploded in critical situations. For example, when the
dynasty of China controlled the ancient Kochoson territory
through its aggression in B.C. 109, the surrounding Korean
people defeated Han's domination. In 1592 Japan's forces came
to Chosen when Chosen government forces could not repulse the
Japan attack, with voluntary organizations formed the main
power to defeat Japan's military through a seven-year war.
While Japan colonialism continued for 35 years under a strong
police system. Police were armed with modern weapons, but the
Korean people resisted Japan's military domination and
eventually achieved Korean independence. While authoritarian
governments and military government continued in South Korea,
the South Korean people resisted the government. In reality
the present democratic government was built by the people's
"37The Twenty First Century Committee, pp. 6-7,; Now is the time
to discuss and prepare unification with a possibility not with the
illusion.
76
integrated energy. 3" As a region of extreme tensions Cold
War, the political democratization of Korea was not easy, but
the South Korean people achieved democratization. Even though
North Korea, which has established a unique authoritarian
political system, has still not achieving political
democratization. In respect to traditional Korean values,
attitudes and behavior in the face of irrationality, it is
easy to anticipate North Korean popular action. When the
North Korean people recognize their real situation and
understand the differences between the two systems, they will
resist the irrational authoritarian political structure. This
explosive process may already have started," therefore the
Korean unification issue is at an extremely critical stage.
If we see the unsolved nuclear issue within this critical
context, we can understand the reason why it has not been
solved. Because the North Korean government knows the
people's power of resistance they are manipulating the people
with nuclear issues.
From this review we can see that the two Korea's
practical unification energy exists among the people. Because
" 3 eThe students' and people's demonstrations of April 1960 and
June 1987 were the causes of present South Korean political
democracy.
"39North Korean students who had been studying in foreign
countries and North Korean labors who had been working in Siberia
started to rush into South Korea. These facts will stimulate North
Korean transition toward democracy and unification.
77
sometimes the people's energy has been explosive and can lead
inefficient results with destructive energy, the South and
North Korean government should prepare to channel popular
energy into reasonable directions and efficient outcomes.
The South Korean government and people have
succeeded in their economic and political development. South
Koreans have the capability to accomplish the unification of
the peninsula. Although North Korea remains in a difficult
situation since the end of the Cold War, South Korea is well
prepared for Korean unification. Korea's future will be
positive for the Korean people and for the world in general.
3. Scenarios for Unification
We can think about various scenarios to achieve
Korean unification. Unification can be achieved: a) through
a second Korean War initiated by either South or North Korea,
b) through direct negotiations between South and North Korea,
or through regional and the UN involvement hosted by South and
North Korea, c) a peaceful absorption by South Korea or by
North Korea, d) through functional incremental steps which
involve economic, social-cultural, military, and political
cooperation. 40
a. A Second Korean War
A Second Korean War would ravage the Korean
"4°The Twenty First century pp. 29-47; Yang Ho-Min, pp. 191-197.
78
peninsula. We need to prevent incidents triggered by human
misjudgment. Human decisions are not always correct,
effective or efficient. Sometimes humans can make terrible
mistakes. One example of this was the Korean War between June
1950 and July 1953. Through the Korean War 2 million of
people were killed and most of the Korean peninsula was
completely destroyed through the War. This was an unhappy
incident triggered by the combined misjudgment of North Korea
and the former Soviet Union. The weapon systems of the Korean
War were the conventional guns and tanks that had been used
during World War II. The weapon systems of modern South and
North Korea are much more advanced than these used in the
Korean War of 1950-1953. If there is a second Korean War it
will be a war of mass destruction. Clearly it is not the
optimal path to unification.
The Korean peninsula was formerly one national
unit, one homogeneous people with one social-cultural
identity. People on both sides have around ten million direct
relatives who are parents, sons and daughters, uncles and
aunt, grand or grand-grand fathers and mothers. 4' They do not
want to kill each other. Many of them are enthusiastic to
meet one another. Even though some people do not have direct
41The Twentieth Century Committee, p. 107; Even though masscom
says that there are 10 million people who has been separated since
Korean war, the number might be exaggerated.
79
relatives over the border they like the others because among
the people there are no emotional antagonisms. On both sides
the main motivation to achieve unification is to help to save
the others and to live together.' 2 The only obstacle is the
Northern regime's resistance to change from the former
communists system to political democracy and the market system
to achieve peace, freedom and prosperity. The Korean War was
the only mass destructive incident result in fratricide in
Korean history. Therefore South and North Korea will not
intend to have a second Korean War.
There is an incidental possibility of the
initiation of a second Korean War by North Korea's
authoritarian autocratic government. North Korea's government
is isolated from its people. The ruling group has not
changed, and they have kept their power for a half century
since 1945. The ruling group will not want to lose the
privileges which they have enjoyed since 1945. Therefore if
the ruling group of North Korea meets denies the peoples'
desire, for democratization some might choose extreme
resistance with dangerous weapons. But the result would be
democratization with the combined deterrence of South Korea
and environmental support from the Northeast and North Pacific
42Ibid., pp., 153-154; The ideal unification is to achieve Win-
Win system by incremental approach.
80
regional nations and the UN.'3
During the Cold War North Korea has prepared to
defeat the South Korean system. But since the Soviet Union's
collapse and German unification with democratization, North
Korea's ruling group, who has been enjoying privileges since
the regime was established in 1945, is presently in a critical
position. The nuclear issue can be understood in this
context. Therefore to prevent an accidental war and achieve
a peaceful unification, South Korea and other role players
need to consider these environmental circumstances sincerely
and sympathetically.
b. Unification by Absorption
We can consider a unification by absorption by
South Korea such as occurred in Germany. Many South and North
Koreans anticipate the possibility of unification by
absorption because the environmental situation of Korea is
similar to that of Germany in terms of economics, politics,
and social-cultural factors. In the post-Cold War context a
unification through absorption by North Korea is not possible.
But as long as the behavioral attitudes of North Korea's
43Simon Winchester, Pacific Nightmare; A Third World War in the
Far East, (London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1992); Dupuy T.N. "The
Second Korean War" (NY: Time Warner, 1992). The Twenty First
Century Committee, P. 27,34; Ellings & Olsen, P.6.
81
ruling group does not change," an abrupt unification through
absorption by South Korea will be a dangerous approach because
North Korea maintains a heavy destructive and chemical weapons
arsenal. Because of the Korean War, North Korea's ruling
group, who had participated in the war and who still have
political and military power as a ruling group, will worry
about their future. Therefore the possibility of extreme
resistance through incidental war is very high. But if there
is an internal power struggle, younger government or military
officials will accept unification through absorption by the
South if it is done in a peaceful way. But if this case comes
about abruptly without South Korea's preparation, the results
will be inefficient.
c. Incremental Unification
Through the post-Cold War process of change,
political, economic, and socio-cultural struggles have
increased at a global level. As examples, we can see Russia's
unstable politics and economy, Bosnia's unsolved problems
resulting in tens of thousands of killings, Germany's postunification
management, South Africa's democratization,
China's human rights issue and, Rwanda's incident with
hundreds of thousands of killing in a few weeks in April 1994.
"North Korea's attitude has not been sincere through South and
North dialogues or through international relations, we can see the
examples from the N-'clear issue.
82
The goals in these countries are all generally agreed human
goals: peace, freedom, and democracy. The UN and the regional
or national efforts to manage the post Cold War problems are
not credible. To achieve Korean unification we need to manage
these explosive trends.
Unification through War and absorption are
inefficient approaches. There is an agreed general consensus
in Korea, as well as regionally are globally, which is an
incremental and functional approach. This approach will look
like it is very slow, but it will be the efficient approach." 5
For the functional approach we can consider
economic, socio-cultural, political and military functions.
These functions can be considered in combination with the
human motivation hierarchy of Maslow. These should also be
considered in relation to South and North Korea's national and
regional context. Establishing mutual trust between South and
North Korea will be a most important factor on the road to
peaceful unification. South aad North Korea's two systems
need to be closer ecorlomically, socio-culturally, military and
politically. The two Koreas should also devote their efforts
to improving regional trust. Based on mutual trust, a
balanced functional system, and improved regional security,
the two Koreas will be able to accomplish one unified national
"45The Twenty First Committee, P. 36, of South Korean specialist
on this issue are favour of incremental approach.
83
system.
To improve mutual trust between South and North
Korea, the Korean people need to devote sincere efforts. They
need to reconsider the Korean situation in terms of historical
aspects and world trends after the Cold War. Because of the
obligation to achieve Korean unification they should devote
their effort more sincerely. For this purpose they need to
eliminate all the obstacles on the road to unification. They
should forgive and understand each other's faults. And they
should try to respect and help each other in a constructive
manner. To achieve these basic criteria for unification
efforts should be made on both sides, through sincere official
dialogues at the governmental level and social and economic
cooperation based on both sides' respect for national
sovereignty.
To accelerate both sides' sincere effort for
unification, people on both sides, should devote their efforts
within their stable national contexts. Government negotiators
should recognize more clearly their historical obligations.
They need to g-uide people's efforts and energy on the road
unification. And they should develop more positively the
short range and long range strategic programs to accomplish
unification. Korean unification can not be a Win-Lose game, it
should be Win-Win game, therefore they will need only honest
and sincere dialogue and contributions for the benefit of both
84
sides. Their honest and sincere efforts will be recorded by
historians of the next generation's. Guided through official
dialogue between South and North and supported by people's
will and enthusiasm, economic, and socio-cultural efforts
should be followed to achieve a balanced system.
(1) Economic Balance: To achieve economic
balance, we can consider economic needs in the political
socio-cultural context. North Korea has been maintaining a
social economic system which now is known as an inefficient
system globally through the examples of Russia, Germany,
China, and Eastern Europe. Therefore the North Korean people
need to recognize frankly and sincerely the efficiency of the
market system and they need to change their economic system to
prepare for unification.
In relation to North Korea's economic
transition, South Korea need to consider how to improve
economic equity and social welfare. North Korea should also
recognize that without marketization there will not be
economic, social equity and welfare, without economic
marketization there will forever be poverty.
To improve North Korea's economy the South
Korean government should develop a strategic long range plan
based on the South Korean people's support and ideas. The
South Korean government and corporations should consider North
Korea's economic transitional change and benefit rather than
85
short term benefit for South Korea. Individual corporations
will choose their action based on the profit concept. In this
case the South Korean government can provide financial support
within its grand strategy to help North Korea's transition.
The regional nations will be able to participate by supporting
North Korea's economic transition. In this regional situation
the individual corporation will participate in the market to
get profit. In this situation the South Korean government and
corporations should not be sensitive, but they should support
regional corporations to achieve a cooperative economic
environment for North Korea, because such an environment will
be positive in the grand strategic context.
(2) Socio-Cultural Balance: Socio-culturally
South and North Korea have developed within the long range
Korean historical context. Therefore most of their social and
cultural characteristics are the same or similar. As one
example only South and North Korea use the Han-gal alphabet
officially. Many people say that through the Cold War
confrontation the two Korea's values, behaviors, attitudes
have changed dramatically. This is correct but there is an
invisible cultural homogeneity which has developed through
their 5000 history as the same cultural group. To reestablish
socio-cultural relations the South and North Korean government
should develop a grand strategy based on historical
86
obligations, mutual benefit and trust.
Socio-cultural contacts also need to be opened
to North Korea regionally and globally. In South Korea,
through 1986 the Seoul Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympic
Games South Korea improved cultural, political and economic
relations with almost all of the global nations. If North
Korea host the Asian Games, an Olympic Games, frequent
international sports event and South & North sports games, it
will be helpful to open North Korea's society constructively.
Korea is culturally a very rich nation. Due to
the Cold War confrontation, the two Koreas did not stress
their own cultural issues. Therefore on the road to Korean
unification Korea should reestablish cultural pride on both
sides. The contemporary world is in moral, cultural, and
spiritual chaos. Cultural pride should not be a basis for
isolated egoism; it should be shared regionally and globally.
To improve cultural assets with neighbor nations the nation
should establish economic, social and political strength. For
example, during the economic industrialization period western
culture was dominant. And since Japan's economy grew globally
Japan's culture has been introduced globally. Compared to the
Chinese case, few people wanted to learn Chinese culture; they
would rather learn Japanese culture. In my opinion China's
cultural superiority would be a tremendous asset. Korean
culture not the same as that of China and Japan, A unified
87
Korea will be able to contribute to regional and global
cultural development. Therefore through an efficient Korean
unification process Korea will be able to contribute to the
region and to the world. Cultural characteristics can affect
people's future. For example because the German people have
cultural assets and pride they achieved their unification when
the opportunity was presented. If Korea really has cultural
excellence they will achieve their unification more
efficiently. I am very optimistic about the cultural approach
on the road to unification.
(3) Military Balance: Military balance will be
very important to achieve a stable Korean unification' and to
preserve regional security. South and North Korea will need
to prevent a second Korean War which would bring tremendous
sacrifice. And they will also need military balance to
achieve a peaceful unification without using it. Military
balance also will be an important issue in the regional
balance of power. To reestablish Koreas historical
capability for self-actualization, and to contribute to
regional and global security, the two Korea's need to save
their collective energy. For this purpose they can save and
balance the economic, social and cultural energy. Following
the same objective they should reduce defense burdens which
"The Twenty First Century Committee, pp. 156-176.
88
have wasted South and North Korea's total economic and social
energy. Present world trends point to reductions in defense
spending. The two Koreas should consider similar reductions
in defense spending to achieve economic benefits and to
contribute to regional security.
(4) Political Approach: For better economic,
socio-cultural, and military relations South and North Korea,
need to negotiate. This approach can be termed the political
approach. In this respect political approaches dominate all
other functional approaches. Therefore, all the stages on the
road to unification will include a political approach. But if
there is only a political approach, Korean unification will
not be easy. Without economic, socio-cultural, and military
cooperation, mutual trust will not be established and there
will be many conflicts over functional issues. When all other
functional approaches are established, political integration
will be achieved and Korean unification will be completed.
The new unified Korea will contribute regionally and globally
based on its integrated economic, socio-cultural and
political, and moral systems.
F. PERSPECTIVES OF POST KOREAN UNIFICATION
We can think about several possibilities for a reunified
Korean future within the open system context. Even though
through a functional approach for Korean unification South and
89
North Korea will be able to achieve economic, cultural,
military and political change to a certain level, a unified
Korea will have many more issues to consider.
1. Economic Perspectives
Unified Korea will need to consider a strategic
approach to maximize economic effectiveness and efficiency
within an open and competitive free market framework. The
unified Korean government will need to develop both short term
and long range economic strategies and goals. For example, in
the short term, the unified government will need to establish
a balanced income distribution policy between the South and
North Korean people by developing an economic transition plan.
In the long range, the unified Korean government will need to
establish an overall nationwide economic development plan.
This plan should consider economic development of within the
Northeast Asian and Pacific regional and global economic
environments. And the unified Korean government will need to
consider the role of internal and regional corporations in the
unified Korean economic market. They should operate within
competitive market principles and contribute to Korea's
economic development.
A unified Korean economy will enable a more
optimistic economic system. For example, after Korean
unification the total population of the Korean peninsula will
90
be around 70 million.47 This population level will be an
attractive consumer group for domestic market and
international market incentives. Even though North Koreans
are not familiar with market economy, but because South Korean
businesses are well accustomed to competitive market economy
through their economic development of the past few decades,
within the unified Korean economic system North Koreans will
be able to learn the new economy through the transition
process from the former economic system to a new economic
system.
Externally, unified Korea will be able to contribute
to regional and global economic and political transition. For
example, through the economic transition process in China and
Russia, they will be able to apply lessons from the Korean
case. This will also accelerate China's and Russia's
political development. Since the end of the Cold War South
Korea has effected.China and Russia's economic and political
development, a successful Korean unification and economic
transition will give China and Russia a more confident example
for their positive economic change.
A unified Korea will have positive economic effects
on the United States of America and Japan. During the Cold
47 In 1991 Korean total population was 65.3 million; South
Korea 43.3 million and North Korea 22.0 million. And it is
anticipated that Korean peninsula will have 70.2 million population
in 2000 and 79 million in 2010.
91
War period South Korea developed economically at a fast rate.
Some of the reasons were the positive economic relations
between the two countries. And as a result South Korea's
success might positively influence China and Russia's economic
and political changes. A unified Korea will be a good market
for the economies of the USA and Japan." Eventually a
successful transition of the unified Korean economy will
improve the economic environment of the entire North Pacific
region. For example, traditionally South Korea has been
positive in regional economic cooperation through its free
trade policies and a positive participation APEC.49
2. Social-cultural perspectives
In terms of social-cultural perspectives, unified
Korea will need to have a grand rehabilitation plan to
establish its social cultural identities. For almost one
hundred years, Korea has been in a very difficult situation to
sustain its own social cultural identities. Through the
colonial period, the Korean War, and the Cold War period South
48 South Korean import and export of 1991 (Statistic Agency
1992, Seoul, Korea), to the USA import was 25.8% and export was
23.2% of her total annual import and export, to the Japan it was
17.2% and 25.6%.
49 South Korean government has been keeping open market
competitive free market policy as her main economic policy.
President Kim's positive participation to APEC can be understood in
relation to this consistent economy policy. And after Korean
unification economy policy will be able to be sustained on the same
principle.
92
and North Korea were unable to concentrate effectively to
maintain and improve their social-cultural identities. Because
they had to concentrate to get independence and minimize the
Cold War confrontation, they have not had the opportunity to
recover their social-cultural identities. Therefore after
Korean unification t' :- will be a nationwide movement to
establish a social-cult .-. identity. Through a cultural
rehabilitation process the Korean people will reestablish
their socio-cultural identities. Lventually they will be able
to recover a substantial basis for of self-actualization and
development energy nationwide.
3. Military Perspectives
Military factors will be a very important factor
through in the unification process and post unification
period. Based on economic, social-cultural and political
approaches for Korean unification, the Korean peninsula will
be able to reestablish mutual trust, and will be able to
reduce military confrontation to a certain level. Through
this effort unified Korea will need to maintain an optimal
military size. This would be a sensitive factor in the
regional security environment. Traditionally Korea was not an
aggressive nation to neighboring nations: therefore a unified
Korea will need a minimum force level to protect itself.
Korea will be able to maintain a certain level of reserved
93
military forces to participate in contingency situations such
as the peacekeeping operations of the United States.
Traditionally the Korean military has been cooperative in
external international affairs. For example, South Korea
participated with allied nations in the Gulf War crisis and
has participated in the Somalia case constructively. 5' In
these respects a unified Korea will participate positively to
improve peace and democracy both regionally and globally.
4. Political Perspectives
Based on the internal economic, social-cultural and
military stability of the Korean peninsula, and external
cooperation, a unified Korea will be able to perform political
functions effectively. Internally, a unified Korea will
establish peace and prosperity through political democracy and
an open market economy. Because the South Korean people have
been accustomed to a developed political democracy, in the new
system of a unified Korea the original South Korea will not
have any problems politically. North Korea, however, has been
accustomed to the authoritarian political system, and after
unification North Korea will need to learn political
50 Since July 1993 South Korea has delegated engineering
battalion as peace keeping forces to Somalia. This PKG forces has
been performing successful obligation in Somalia, as a unique case
they has been constructing a road in Somalia. This case can be
explained in terms of Korean cultural aspect such as HONG IK IN GAN
philosophy which has been intended to improve human dignity and
welfare.
94
democracy. Through a political transition process the
neighboring nation of China will also be able to learn lessons
from the Korean transition.
I discussed the post-Korean unification in economic,
social-cultural, military and political perspectives. Those
will not come to us separately, but they will come to us all
together. Therefore we need to consider synthetically all
aspects. In considering the Korean perspective we need to
keep in mind the substantial basis of Korean alternatives
which would be Korean's traditional cultural identity, HONG IK
IN GAN.
95
VIII. CONCLUSIONS
Individuals, organizations, and nations will not survive
and develop in a situation isolated from the fast changing
regional and global environment. Whenever the environmental
circumstances change, the subsystems should accommodate
themselves within the environmental framework. The Cold War
is over; global and regional political, economic, social, and
military environments are changing. Within this fast
environment Germany and Yemen transformed themselves from
separate nations to unified nations to survive, and to
contribute for themselves and for others. The Korean
peninsula and the surrounding region are not exceptions to
this changing international environment. Using an open system
approach, the Korean peninsula's reunification and its
regional security will be accomplished through the national
and regional policy choices based on human needs motivation,
national and regional needs, interests, and security.
In relation to the Korean peninsula, Northeast Asia and
the North Pacific area nations (China,Japan, Russia, and the
United States) will play their role as regional members.
Historically, these components have been engaged in the
regional issues. They will probably continue to have
bilateral and multilateral relationships as regional
subsystems. In this environmental framework, what are the
96
better alternatives, policy choices, opportunities for Korean
unification and regional security? To answer those questions
I have discussed a framework using the system approach as an
analytical tool, and presented a historical overview, of
regional relations among subsystems, the opportunities for
regional members and the alternatives for Korean unification.
Traditionally Korea was one country, and it needs to
reunify for itself, and for regional and global security.
South and North Korea maintained a common identity through
their long history, and they have also created different
subsystem values since the Cold War. The game between
capitalism and communism may be over now that the Cold War is
over, but there are remaining unsolved conflicts in North
Korea and possibly in China. In accord with world trends China
and North Korea's original communism may disappear by
themselves. The Korean alternatives should be achieved
without sacrifice. Among the remaining issues, Korean
unification is critical. From the various alternatives for
Korean unification, the best approach will be an incremental
functional approach -- based on human needs motivations,
economic cooperation, socio-cultural integration, military
reduction, and constructive mutual trust. A political
approach will be needed on the road to Korean unification
using a cooperative environment. For further improvements in
regional security, comprehensive bilateral and multilateral
97
comprehensive cooperation should be pursued by regional system
members, the UN, and the global community.
The USA, China, Japan, and Russia have constituted the
external environment in relation to Korean issues. These
regional nations will have certain opportunities within the
regional context. The opportunities can be analyzed by the
motivation and activity concept. In terms of human need
motivation the common global grand goals of human beings
would be to achieve peace, freedom and prosperity through
political democracy and economic open market economies.
Based on these grand goals, every nation -- Korea, the
USA, China, Japan and Russia -- will pursue their own sub
goals. For example, the South and North Korean people will
have a strong motivation to achieve their unification because
historically they were one single national system. Since the
end of the Cold War there are practically no severe external
obstacles on the road of unification. Especially because of
German unification many Koreans have felt a strong historical
obligations to achieve their unification. Many Koreans
believe that they are now on the verge of their national
reunification in historical perspective. Today or tomorrow
North Korea will be changed internally within the global and
regional environmental context. The cohesiveness of the
people can result from a decisive decision to achieve
unification. In the critical and changing environment of the
98
post-Cold War World the South and North Korean governments
will be very busy to control the people's cohesive or
explosive energy. In this changing environment the North
Korean government will have to be more sincere because North
Korean society might be far behind from the global trend which
can be characterized as a trend of political democracy and
economic marketization. But South Korea will also face
difficulties because of the explosion of people's anticipated
needs.
Among the nations most concerned with the Korean
peninsula the USA will be the most effective nation toward
Korean unification and the regional stability basis on her
grand strategy which would be the same as its global trends:
peace, freedom, prosperity through political democracy and the
open market.
China will also be able to devote a reliable cooperative
role toward Korean unification and regional security. China
will agree to global trends toward political democracy and
economic marketization.
Even though there has been a certain level of
uncomfortable emotions remaining between Korea and Japan. But
because of her majestic economic power and cultural pride,
Japan will participate more positively toward Korean
unification and constructive regional issues.
Russia, because of her fast changing domestic situation,
99
will have positive economic and political relations with Korea
and the regional nations, and will support regional issues and
the Korean issue constructively.
We can see the potential of explosive human needs
conflicts on a global level in relation to economic,
political, ethical, religious and historical issues. All
these goals would be focused on the need for peace, freedom,
prosperity through democracy and economic market. But if this
constructive trend is rushed, it can cause destructive
results. We can see such examples in many places in the world.
In this respect the Korean movement toward unification should
be a stable, incremental, and constructive approach
considering the regional and global context of the open system
and human motivation framework because that would be the most
efficient and effective approach. I believe South and North
Korean have the capability to achieve Korean unification and
regional security. Also I strongly believe that regional
nations have grown up enough to achieve the grand global goals
of peace, freedom, and prosperity through political democracy
and the free market economy based on higher level human
motivation which would be in harmony with human dignity and
HONG IK IN GAN philosophy.
100
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
USA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UN UNITED NATIONS
IAEA INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
APEC ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
NAFTA NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
EEC .TROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY
NATO NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION
ASEAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTEZ'AST ASIAN NATIONS
ROK REPUBLIC OF KOREA
USSR UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
GNP GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT
101
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