In Focus

Eating the Oxen of the Sun – The Odyssey of Unification

In 1988, the unification of East and West Germany would have seemed like a Timothy Leary inspired hallucination. Yet, in a couple of years it was reality. Much the same level of skepticism, disbelief, and hope surrounds recent diplomatic initiatives to unify North and South Korea. Under his “Sunshine Policy,” South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung has sought to replace confrontational brinkmanship with a dialogue of engagement based on openness, cooperation, and confidence building measures. For a local perspective on the “Sunshine Policy” and the prospects of reunification, Norman Levin and Yong-Sap Han have compiled and collated recent poll and survey data from South Korea in order gauge public sentiment.

Far from dispassionate observers, regional and world powers all have vested security interests in the fate of the Korean peninsula. For an overview of their involvement, interests, constraints, and capabilities, the CSIS has a issued a comprehensive review of “Great Power Interests in Korean Reunification.”

China—The Tension Easing Mediator

China's role in pacifying tensions between the United States, North and South Korea cannot be underestimated. China has, perhaps, the most economic and political clout over the North than any other country and has strong trading ties with the South, including an average of over 20 percent growth each year. For a more detailed account of the impact China has had in Northeast Asia, read the article, "Middle Kingdom Diplomacy and the North Korean Nuclear Crisis" above.

An attempt at strengthening Inter-Korean relations

Regardless of what goes on with the Norths' nuclear program, both North and South Korea aim at solidifying their business and economic ties across borders and continue to develop relations on a diplomatic level as well. Above, is a report of third quarter findings surrounding the main activities between the two countries called, "Never Mind the Nukes?"

Bargaining with North Korea

Washington and Beijing's incessant pressure on Pyongyang to negotiate on its nuclear weapon's program may have yielded positive results in the region. Following Bush's visit to Asia in which he offered North Korea a written security guarantee, a soft approach according to some, North Korea said that it was ready to begin new negotiations on its nuclear arms program with the United States--but not without some reservations. The article, "Toward a Grand Bargain with North Korea," offers a well thought out analysis of the standoff and proposes a possible long-term solution to the ultimate de-nuclearization of North Korea.

Understanding US-North Korea relations

For general background on the North Korean conflict, its' past history and where it stands with the United States today or to watch the informative program "Frontline" on this specific topic, click on the above PBS web-site. Also hear opinions from leading political figures, scholars and intellectuals on issues as US policy towards North Korea, personal accounts of experiences while visiting the regime and human rights violations on the part of the communist state.