Korea as a World Order Issue

Abstract

The paper views the Korean problem, not-as is commonly done-as an aspect of the East-West conflict (although it is a product of that conflict), but as a world-order problem. It briefly traces Korea's history upto that fateful day in August 1945, when the USA and the Soviets, engaged in fierce manoeuvres to carve out and extend their respective spheres of domination, divided arbitrarily – and almost casually – a peace-loving nation into two countries which became hostile and even went to war. In the process, both the halves have been robbed of their autonomy and made into satellites of their respective center states, both have had their economies skewed, and both have become preys to repressive regimes. The paper then goes on to make constructive suggestions for reducing tension between the two to pave the way for an eventual solution that would be in the interest of, and acceptable to, the Korean people. Initiatives must emanate from the two center states, which are responsible for Korea's tragic plight, but some will have to be taken by the Korean people themselves.