In the 21st Century, Korea faces different threats due to the changing security environment at sea. However, a cold war mentality and an old security system still hinder development of Korea’s progress and reconciliation toward unification. Additionally, South Korea’s Naval rating in the world is lower than its anticipated competitors despite having national strength is regarded as 12th in the world, and having an overall national defense capabilities is ranked as 5th or 6th. Since an unbalanced military structure was given by ROK-US alliance regime, R. O. K defence capabilities have been experiencing difficulties when radical progressive or hawkish conservatives exert control within the U. S. Government.
* A thesis submitted to the Committee of the Graduate School, Chungnam National University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Political Science Conferred in February 2004.
In this respect, I have considered three major areas which are as follows : First, establish an integrated maritime strategy for the Korean peninsula. Second, review and analyze the history of indigenous seapower in Korean peninsula in light of modern maritime strategy, Third, seek to develop of a comprehensive maritime strategic concept, which includes consideration of the appropriate level of naval forces to meet future challenges from the sea and at sea.
As a result of this study, I have determined that following areas will require improvement in order to defend national interests. First, the maritime area becomes more important than before since natural resources are scarce and global competitions at sea is severe, especially in the East Asia area, therefore sufficient naval power is indispensable to protect marine resources and sea line of communications. Second, maritime use of geopolitical position and geoeconomic opportunity are required for the prosperity of the Korean peninsula, since Koreans are an intrinsically maritime people as shown in this research. Third, in preparation for the future prospect of a unified Korea, the R. O. K fleet will require a level of power that is sufficient to secure peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia as well as the security of the Korean peninsula. The research data shows that in order to satisfy naval balance of power theory, a force that is at least 60~70% of that possessed by neighboring countries’ afloat forces is required. The specific composition of a balanced fleet could be decided based upon the perceived threats and the defense capabilities of Korea based on the model shown in this thesis.
In conclusion, R. O. K Navy is expected to play a leading role in a unified Korea. Therefore it must be prepared to expand its operational sea area and take a greater role in future maritime environment. Accordingly, the R. O. K government and its people should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their defense structure in order avoid repeating mistakes made in the last century. To do that, the R. O. K Government should begin to build a balanced fleet capable of meeting any future threats. The naval doctrine of a unified Korea should be based on achieving a level of defense sufficiency and endeavor to cooperate with neighboring countries for Northeast Asian co-prosperity.
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