Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia

By (author) Yong-Shik Lee

Publication date:

05 September 2023

Publisher

Anthem Press

Dimensions:

229x153mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781839983764

Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia examines the causes of lasting and complex tensions in the region from underlying political, historical, military and economic perspectives; discusses their historical development and political-economic implications for the world; and explores possible solutions to build lasting peace. The book is unique in that it approaches the topic from the historical perspective of each constituent country in the region. Major global powers such as the United States and Russia have also closely engaged in the political and economic affairs of this region through a network of alliances, diplomacy, trade and investment. The book also discusses the influence of these external powers over the crisis, their political and economic objectives in the region, their strategies and the dynamics that their engagement has created. Both South Korea and North Korea have sought reunification of the Korean peninsula, which will have a substantial impact on the region. The book examines its justification, feasibility and effects for the region. The book discusses the role of Mongolia in the context of the power dynamics in Northeast Asia. A relatively small country, in terms of its population, Mongolia has rarely been examined in this context; Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia makes a fresh assessment of its potential role.

Figures; Tables; List of Abbreviations; Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction; 2. The Heritage from the Cold War—North Korea and the Nuclear Crisis; 3. The New Asian Paradigm or Return to the Old Asia—Rise of China and Its Role in the Region; 4. A New Balancer in the Region? South Korea at the Crossroads; 5. A Power with Rising Concerns: Escalation of Tensions between Japan and Its Neighbors; 6. Insiders from the Outside: The United States and Russia; 7. A Hidden Player: Mongolia and Its Role in the Power Dynamics of Northeast Asia; 8. Pathway to Peace and Stability in Northeast Asia; Notes; Bibliography; Index

“The security environment in Northeast Asia in notoriously complex, but Y.S. Lee weaves a compelling introduction to it. A distinctive feature of the approach is to work through the perspectives of each of the relevant players, with a particular bonus in considering Mongolia’s contributions. Professor Lee sees a long-term solution as requiring an institutional component; some kind of regional integration effort that would pull North Korea into the Asia-Pacific success story. He argues that building a rules-based order will hinge on where China’s domestic politics is headed, but the US must also take diplomatic risks and lead on the economic issues. A useful introduction for both insiders to the region and those seeking an entry point.” — Dr. Stephan Haggard, Lawrence and Sallye Krause Distinguished Professor, School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California at San Diego