On Korea: Academic Paper Series
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On Korea: Academic Paper Series 2011About On Korea: Academic Paper Series
In December 2006, KEI initiated our Academic Paper Series in which we commission up to 10 papers per year with diverse perspectives on original subjects of current interest to Korea watchers. This year-long program provides both leading Korea scholars and new voices from around the world to speak and write on trends and events affecting the Korean peninsula.
Since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1953, the U.S.-ROK alliance has been tremendously successful in deterring a large-scale attack by the DPRK. Even during national famines and persistent mass poverty, North Korea has invested significant percentages of its national wealth into developing a large military force; in contrast, South Korea has emerged as a robust democracy with an advanced, capable military and one of the world’s leading economies. Indeed, South Korea’s success and security today is a testament to the ability of the ROK military, with the support of America’s nuclear and conventional extended deterrent commitment, to prevent another invasion from the North.