Kim Dae-jung Government's Policy On The Korean Study

Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, patterns of the International System became increasingly complex. However, the most outstanding feature of changes in the international system was the gradual improvement of international ties, and the reduction of the likelihood of outbreak of another world war. On a regional level however, the possibility of war or conflict remained serious, the world could by no means be seen as having turned entirely peaceful. The international society always strives for a peaceful environment in order to enable and promote national development. But because of the special geo-political situation on the Korean peninsula which affects security and stability, the international community was particularly attentive to the region's development.The end of the cold war was followed by a relatively stable situation on the peninsula. After the Cheon An incident however, not only the situation between the North and the South became increasingly tense, also the neighboring countries found themselves caught in a new strategic pattern. So how can the Korean peninsula eventually enter a state of enduring peace and stability? This question has been central for many previous researchers. From this perspective, a serious analysis of the reasons and results of the Kim Dae Jung administration's "Reconciliation and Cooperation" policy is essential. A review of experience and lessons learned in the relations between the North and the South after the cold war, does not only have a high academic value, fully understanding the respective model of bilateral policy making can also help to resolve the complex situation on the peninsula.Based on the theory of national interest, this paper is looking at the background, contents, aims and directions of Kim Dae Jung's containment policy. Starting from this, the paper enters a discussion and evaluation of the containment policy, finishing with a simple analysis of the problems of this policy.This paper is composed out of three chapters:The introduction sets the scope and significance of the research, its strain of thoughts and methodology as well as a review of previous research on this topic. The first chapter deals with the theory of national interest, introduces the its basic concept. It continues with structures and special applications and an analysis of the relation between nation interest and actual foreign policies. The second chapter deals with the composition of the North Korea policy of the Kim Dae Jung administration. It starts with a review of Kim Dae Jung's concept and theory of reunification, including three basic principles and three main thoughts and continues with the policy origins and systematization. The third chapter looks at the Kim Dae Jung administration's containment policy, the background under which it came on stage, its main contents, aims and directions as well as reasons for difficulties and obstacles. The fourth chapter contains an assessment of the Kim Dae Jung administration's North Korea policies, the results it achieved as well as the problems it had. The conclusion summarizes the findings and finishes with some further recommendations.