As the discourse on civil-military relations has emerged as a major issue under the global humanitarian platform, this study aims to measure the difference in perceptions of ROK civil and military organizations regarding the awareness and humanitarian response to the emergency crisis in DPRK, surveying 210 civilian aid workers (CWAs) and 220 officers and NCOs (MIL). As a result of the study, a significant difference in perception between civil and military organizations is verified. First, CWAs perceived natural disasters as the main cause of the crisis, whereas MIL viewed armed conflict. Second, CWAs considered the territory of DPRK and its borders for target areas whilst MIL targeted the DMZ and the rear areas for humanitarian action. Third, CWAs focused on direct supports to displaced North Koreans, but MIL took heed of indirect assistance. Fourth, CWAs unexpectedly showed a lower level of perception of intervention of post-crisis recovery than that of MIL. Finally, CWAs would not prefer cooperation with foreign militaries other than the ROK MIL while MIL demonstrated openness in cooperation with not only ROK civil humanitarian agencies, but also other civilian agencies in the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Viewed in this light, it suggests that an alternative approach should be explored in creating humanitarian space in which ROK civil and military organizations coordinate for an effective emergency response to DPRK with fragility and vulnerability.

Abstract

I. Introduction

II. Literature Review
1. Global Humanitarian Action Regime
2. Discourse on Civil and Military Relations in Humanitarian Actions

III. Methodology
Participants
Procedures
Measures
Data Analytic Strategy

IV. Results
Perception on Types of Humanitarian Emergencies in DPRK
Perception on Target Areas for Humanitarian Action
Perception on Sectoral Responses and Early Recovery
Perception on Preference of Potential Counterparts

V. Discussion

VI. Conclusion

References