ROK (Republic of Korea) Perspective on Korean Security and Desirable Roles for the United States

摘要

In the 35 years since the end of the Korean War, the Korean question has been a difficult global issue in the context of a complicated regional balance of power. Many observers are convinced that Korean security is key to the preservation of peace and stability in Northeast Asia. The Republic of Korea stands today at a critical juncture with both significant challenges and great opportunities, all of which have implications for its security. This paper has three major purposes: first, to describe and examine the current security environment on the Korean peninsula, with emphasis on the increased threat from North Korea and the importance of U.S.-ROK security relations; second, to describe the future internal and external security environment of the peninsula; and third, to suggest desirable roles for the United States regarding Korean security issues.