Analysis On The Driving Factors Behind Inter-korean Summit

Two Koreas,divided during the Cold War era,continue their decades-long military confrontation to this day.Inter-Korean summit diplomacy has been attempted since the early 1980 s to fundamentally resolve such hostilities.However,the two Koreas did not always agree on the decision to hold the summit.This study took note of this and analyzed the following research questions: First,what are the factors that drive the decision to hold an inter-Korean summit? That is,under what conditions do the two sides decide to hold the summit? Second,which of these factors has a key impact?This research first looked at foreign policy analysis(FPA)theory and the traditional framework of summit diplomacy.With this theoretical foundation,the characteristics of this case were combined to derive the framework of inter-Korean summit diplomacy.The framework develops discussions at the level of internal factors,including South and North Korea,external factors,including the United States,the start of communication channels,preliminary talks,and outcomes of the summit.Then,all cases of agreeing or not agreeing to hold an inter-Korean summit were analyzed comprehensively based on the framework.The results of this study are as follows: First of all,during Kim Young-sam’s reign,there was an extreme military confrontation surrounding the Korean Peninsula.The influence of an external factor,the United States,played the greatest role in deciding to hold inter-Korean summit.On the other hand,in all other cases where general military confrontation existed,the following factors of agreement are found: First,South Korea’s intention for summit diplomacy was properly demonstrated when it pursued the consistent engagement policy towards North Korea.In addition,a small number of officials participated in the policy-making process and consensus was reached,therefore consistent intentions could be conveyed to the North.Second,North Korea’s intention for summit diplomacy has been revealed in the face of political and economic crises.Third,the U.S.implemented an engagement policy toward the North.Fourth,timely communication channels existed.Fifth,the summit was agreed only when the two sides did not set a specific agenda during the preliminary talks.Among these factors,South Korea’s consistent intention for summit diplomacy and the U.S.engagement policy toward North Korea are key factors.In terms of outcomes,the joint declaration is changing into more specific content.However,efforts are needed to faithfully implement the agreements.The future challenges to this end include: First,continuous cooperation with the international community is important.Second,the denuclearization issue should be actively discussed at the inter-Korean summit.Third,positive public opinion on inter-Korean dialogue is needed in South Korea.