... and Two More, Yet to be Asked
After a near two-year whirlwind of diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula, stalemate in 2019 gave pause to critically reflect on peace and denuclearization. This three-part collection of essays by leading experts is intended to cast renewed light on the goals, theory and context of South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s peace initiative. The first part explicates facets of the initiative under the linear conceptual notion of peacemaking, peace-keeping and peace-building set by Chung-in Moon. Inter-korean arms control and trustbuilding are probed as a step toward peace-making, while the idea of a “peace economy” is assessed as a key driver of peace-building. The second part comprises theoretical and practical critiques of the initiative, while the third widens out to take in views from major powers (China, Russia, the US and Japan) as to what it means for the region and the roles of their countries.
Two core questions are raised for Moon to wrestle with to further his peace initiative. The first relates to aligning its dual goal of peace, Seoul’s primary concern, and denuclearization, the overriding US interest. How would he balance and sequence these? The second probes the initiative’s two-track approach. Inter-korean relations appear conditional on US and North Korean progress toward denuclearization. So how would Moon make relations among Seoul, Washington and Pyongyang mutually reinforcing?
Two core questions are raised for Moon to wrestle with to further his peace initiative.