United States and Asia-Pacific Regional Alliances As An Influence on Stability and the Goal of a Democratic Reunification of Korea

摘要

This strategic research project will focus on the potential for convergence of national interests between the United States, China, Japan, North and South Korea, and other ASEAN member states. I will address major political and economic issues in the Asia-Pacific region in relation to how the relevant actors in the region play an integral role in a potential, democratic-like reunification of North and South Korea. I propose to present some feasible strategies that could frame the ways and means for an US-China agreement, working collectively with other regional powers, to affect a reunified Korea focused on democratic goals, regional stability and lasting security. By applying the theory of the carrot and the stick, I will demonstrate how U.S. resolve to maintain a military presence in South Korea could be mitigated through the collective effort of regional alliances, coalitions and improved economic and political relationships with the major powers in the region. I will also address some of the issues concerning Theater Missile Defense (TMD) with regard to potential responses to U.S. policy among Asian-Pacific regional actors. This paper will attempt to illustrate how the complexities of evolving economies, political alignments, and evolving military powers in the region interact to influence tendencies toward isolationism or openness to the outside world.