A Framework for Regional Security Cooperation in Asia

( Robert A Scalapino ) 한국국방연구원 1993 The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis Vol.5 No.2

Security in the current world can be defined as adequate defense against external threats, and a strong internal structure of society and state underwriting order and development. In the past, the Asian states lay half-foreign to each other; only recently has a process of Asianization commenced, making possible progressive interaction. Meanwhile, challenges have emerged to the nation-state and its sovereignty, both from above and from below-a result of economic interdependence. Thus, nationalism and internation- alism contest for primacy. Major changes in the global order have taken place in recent times. Four decades ago, the Eurasian heartland was strong, the peripheries weak, and the United States felt obliged to commit its power to creating a balance. The term "bipolarism" commonly applied to this era is not entirely accurate, but this was the heyday of balance of power politics. At present, the Eurasian heartland is weak, and the peripheries strong. Yet no new international order now exists. Patron-client relations are disappearing, but genuine partnership is now yet a reality. Meanwhile, the principal threats in Asia are domestic at present: heavy economic and political pressures upon the remaining Leninist states continue despite reforms. Continuing change in these states is inevitable. But the non-Leninist states of Asia also face complex problems revolving around the issue of how stability and rapid economic development can be combined. At the next level, sub-regional conflicts within the Asia region relate primarily to divided states and territorial controversies. An undifferen- tiated multilateral approach to such problems cannot work. The most promising approach is that of creating concentric arcs involving those parties whose national interests are directly affected. Each specific situation warrants special treatment, as a series of case studies reveal. At the same time, certain critical security issues require experimen- tation with sub-regional or regional dialogue and decision-making struc- tures, multilateral in nature. Some of these must be nonofficial or quasi-official. In each of these approaches, the role of the major Pacific-Asian states is critical. China represents a complex case, with its internal develop- ment still top priority, but with its power expanding and its interests in the region not fully satisfied. Japan is in the process of debating its future role even as it is pressed to develop more balanced and interna- tionalist policies. Russia remains a major military power, but a state that is currently in deep disarray, its very survival threatened. And the United States, confronted with serious domestic problems, struggles to maintain its global commitments, moving from unilateralism to multilateralism wherever possible. The current scene thus places a greater premium upon the role of small and medium Asian states. Moreover, we cannot rely upon a single level of operations; bilateralism, regionalism and globalism will all continue, with experimentation with various forms of shared authority. In addition, the competition among localism, nationalism, regionalism and globalism will constitute the great drama of our times. Leaders are coming to recognize these facts.

KOREA AND THE CHANGING INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Scalapino,Robert A. The Institute for Far Eastern Studies Kyungnam Uni 1992 ASIAN PERSPECTIVE Vol.16 No.2

We live in a new world, and the struggle to adjust to that fact dominates all else on the international stage. As one graphic example, for the first time in this century, a major power conflict that could encompass the globe is virtually unthinkable. The Soviet Union has disappeared, with its parts now independent entities faced with enormous domestic problems. Civil war or a conflict among the new republics is certainly a possibility, but the projection of Russian military strength beyond the old Soviet borders is inconceivable in the near future. It is the weakness, not the strength, of Russia and the other ex-Soviet republics that must concern the world, and especially their neighbors. China has made significant economic gains in the past decade, notably in regions having easy access to the great market economies of East Asia, but the problems of modernizing a billion people remain awesome. While China is steadily developing a modern military force and gives every indication of desiring to be a major power-possibly the major power-in Asia, it is likely to be preoccupied with its domestic concerns in the years immediately ahead. Japan is Asia's greatest success story in economic terms, and today it stands as one of the two global economic powers. It has served as model for many developing states, and source of financial support. There has been unhappiness, to be sure, about the Japanese reluctance to transfer technology, utilize indigenous managerial personnel in its overseas operations, or open its domestic markets more widely, but Japan's economic influence throughout East Asia at present is greater than that of any other nation.

The United States and the North Korean Issue

Robert A., Scalapino 고려대학교-民국제관계연구원 1997 국제관계연구 Vol.2 No.3

Observing North Korea is roughly equivalent to looking at a black bird at midnight. No nation in the contemporary world has employed secrecy and the exclusion of outsiders so effectively. Even those who are permitted to visit generally see what they are supposed to see, hear what they are supposed to hear.

The United States and the North Korean Issue : Options for the Future

Robert A. Scalapino 고려대학교 일민국제관계연구원 1997 국제관계연구 Vol.2 No.1

아시아의 미래

Robert A. Scalapino,김경원 사회과학원 1990 계간 사상 Vol.5 No.-

U.S. Relations with North Korea

( Robert A. Scalapino ) 인하대학교 국제관계연구소 2007 Pacific Focus Vol.22 No.1

Given its reclusive nature, hard facts about North Korea are difficult to discern. However, the recent history of U.S.-DPRK relations reveals periodic advances followed by breakdowns, with disputes over critical details. Yet most recently, both parties have shown greater flexibility due to ongoing domestic conditions. It is premature to predict the outcome of the current dialogues. Many difficult is sues remain to be resolved but some hope is justified.

CHINA AND THE KOREAN ISSUE

Robert A. Scalapino 한국학술연구원 1980 Korea Observer Vol.11 No.3

The United States and Northeast Asia--Present and Future

Robert A. Scalapino 인하대학교 국제관계연구소 2007 Pacific Focus Vol.22 No.2

Two issues have dominated the political-security scene in Northeast Asia in recent times: the North Korean nuclear program and the issue of Taiwan’s sovereignty. In both matters, the U.S. is deeply involved, and while the North Korean problem has shown recent progress, neither issue can be considered close to resolution. Meanwhile, U.S. relations with the major Northeast Asian powers vary. With Japan, the relationship is strongly positive. Relations with China are characterized by complexity, with cooperation and competition coexisting. Relations with Russia have fluctuated, with problems mounting in the recent past. Among other nations, the ROK remains a significant ally despite certain differences both with respect to policies and political atmosphere. Mongolia represents a nation seeking balanced relations with near neighbors and closer relations with Japan and the United States. When the current scene is viewed in its full dimensions, there is reason for cautious optimism.

Political and Economic Changes in Northeast Asia-the Prospects for Cooperation

Scalapino, Robert A . 한양대학교 경제연구소 1991 경제연구 Vol.12 No.2

THE CURRENT ATTITUDES OF THE MAJOR COMMUNIST STATES TOWARD KOREAN REUNIFICATION

Robert A. Scalapino 한국학술연구원 1980 Korea Observer Vol.11 No.4