The U.S. and the Two Koreas: A New Triangle

In the present international climate, the Korean Peninsula is central to restructuring political and economic relationships in Northeast Asia. And as the sole remaining superpower, the United States plays a significant role in this reconfiguration, mediating conflicts and managing challenges that often originate in North Korea. This collection provides a cogent assessment of the new triangular relationship involving the U.S. and the two Koreas, as well as the broader dynamics among all of the regional actors.

The authors also address the development of nuclear capabilities in both Koreas, changing economic ties in the region, U.S. public opinion about Northeast Asia, and Chinese and Japanese reactions to the new structure in international relations. Throughout the book they emphasize military security and economic prosperity—two key interests that will determine the future of the Korean Peninsula.

• The Washington-Seoul-Pyongyang Triangle—T. W. Park.
• The Challenges Ahead—R. A. Scalapino.
• U.S. Extended Deterrence in East Asia—P. M. Morgan.
• Predator States and War: The North Korean Case—M. J. Mazarr.
• South Korea’s Nuclear Option—T. W. Park.
• Prospects for U.S.-North Korea Economic Relations—N. Eberstadt.
• U.S.-South Korea Economic Relations—M. Noland.
• The Two Koreas in U.S. Public Opinion—P. J. Powlick.
• Japan’s Response to Changing U.S.-Korean Relations—T. Akaha.
• China’s Response to Changing Developments on the Korean Peninsula—G. T. Yu.
• Conclusion—T. W. Park.