By Simon Hutagalung
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The ties between the totalitarian, nuclear, dynasty of North Korea and the affluent and democratic South are hostile. North Korea's nuclear weapons are seen as a threat to the security of South Korea as well as its allies i.e. the United States and Japan. Owing to its threat of nuclear proliferation and subsequent blackmail to get concessions, North Korea had to face numerous economic sanctions at the hands of the United Nations Security Council since 2006. On the other hand, the regular joint military drills conducted by South Korea in collaboration with the U.S. and Japan are seen as a challenge to North Korea. These circumstances pose a threat to the stability and progress of the Korean Peninsula as well as a hazard to global peace.
Thus, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. are strengthening their defense posture, instead of trying to amend the situation, which has the potential to turn into a nuclear war. In addition to putting them on the edge of war, this situation also puts an economic burden on the parties to the conflict and reduces their chances of collaboration. Thus, there is a dire need to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
To achieve the integration of the two Koreas, the role of international and regional powers cannot be overestimated. For example, the role of North Korea's strategic partners like China and Russia in bringing the two hostile states together is significant. China has agreed with South Korea to scale up communications for peace on the Korean Peninsula in addition to improving regional and multilateral cooperation. China and Russia both have a lot of sway over North Korea as well. They should use their influence to bring the two parties to the negotiation table.
Similarly, South Korea's allies particularly the U.S. and Japan help shape its policy on North Korea. North Korea's nuclear strategy also revolves around the U.S.' involvement in the region. They have tried to dissuade Pyongyang's efforts to develop nuclear power by force, but it's all been in vain. It is a suitable time for them to change their strategy. Moreover, it is detrimental to international peace and regional prosperity. Thus, instead of provoking North Korea to accelerate its nuclear mission by conducting military drills with South Korea, the U.S. should urge both parties to come to the negotiating table.
Japan's economic interests and security are also at stake in the prevalent hostile atmosphere. It should play its part in diminishing the tensions in the region. Instead of provoking North Korea, the U.S and Japan should reduce their military involvement in the peninsula. They should encourage the parties to resolve their issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Only then can the Korean Peninsula can achieve its true potential and stability can be ensured in this era of increasing regional integration.
In addition to efforts by international actors, North Korea and South Korea should themselves strive to integrate back into one Korea. Diplomatic, cultural, political, economic and military confidence-building measures should be employed to reduce tensions between the two states. The two culturally similar states with a shared history and language have multiple opportunities to present a common front. For example, North Korea and South Korea marched together at the 2018 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony. This united front should be exercised in other areas as well.
Moreover, demilitarization in the form of gradual troop withdrawals from their borders should be initiated. They should enhance bilateral trade, communications and negotiations to amplify cooperation. The Inter-Korean Summit of 2018 ameliorated the strained relations between the rival states. At this summit, they declared an official end of the war between them. Instead of every few years, such Korean Peace summits should be held annually.
To conclude, it is an opportune time for the Korean War to end and for the two parts of Korea to unite and create prosperity together as they did for thousands of years. For this purpose, the major powers, which are responsible for dividing the Korean Peninsula and leading to it to civil war, should play their part in peace-building measures now. The confidence-building measures between the two states need to be fueled to integrate the two Koreas.
Simon Hutagalung is a graduate of the City University of New York.
