Dual-neutrality for the Koreas: a two-pronged approach toward reunification: Defense & Security Analysis: Vol 38, No 3

Dual-neutrality for the Koreas: a two-pronged approach toward reunification: Defense & Security Analysis: Vol 38, No 3

Articles

Dual-neutrality for the Koreas: a two-pronged approach toward reunification

Pascal Lottaz ORCID Icon &Heinz Gärtner

Pages 284-295 | Published online: 14 Jun 2022

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ABSTRACT

This article builds a novel argument for the unification of the two Korean states by way of a dual neutralisation process. After reviewing the neutralisation concept and the history of neutrality ideas for the peninsula, the authors introduce two historical models that would fit the security needs of both Koreas and their respective security partners. 

Using a realist framework, it is argued that 

• the “Finlandisation” of the DPRK on the one hand; and 
• the “Austriasation” of the ROK on the other, 

would not change the de facto security relationships with their patrons, 

but would create the structural underpinning for future foreign policy compatibility.

 Assuming other factors remain equal and a solution to internal political division could be brokered, the article proposes a security framework for both states aimed at separately creating the structures for a future unified neutral Korea.

KEYWORDS: KoreaneutralityneutralisationreunificationAustriaFinlandAsiaChinaUSA

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Ju-Hyung Kim for his kind support in researching Korean language newspapers and providing translations for some of the cited materials. The authors bear the sole responsibility for all errors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pascal Lottaz

Dr. Pascal Lottaz is an Adjunct Researcher for Neutrality Studies at the Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (Tokyo), and Adjunct Professor for European Politics at Temple University Japan Campus. He leads the research network neutralitystudies.com.

Heinz Gärtner

Prof. Dr. Heinz Gärtner is lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Vienna. He was academic director of the Austrian Institute for International Affairs. Among other things, he chairs the advisory board of the International Institute for Peace in Vienna and of the commission Strategy and Security of the Austrian Armed Forces.