The influence of the US foreign policy on the prospective unification of Koreas - Dissertation Example

Reports show that during 20th century, there had been various efforts to address the different issues that impeded reunification of North and South Korea. At this time it became quite clear to the stakeholders (Koreans and non-Koreans) and other experts on foreign affairs related to Korea that reunification of the two nations was an internal matter to be decided by only by the Koreans themselves. However, it was equally clear to stakeholders and experts that the US had a crucial role, both in the division and future reunification, and through various foreign policies adopted by it towards the two Koreas, the US also could play a major role in a united Korean future.

Right from the start of the 20th century, the Koreans have always looked for ways to give the two countries a unified and independent framework. However, even before WW II, any such hopes of unification received a setback when in 1910 Japan forcibly conquered Korean Peninsula. When Japan was defeated at the end of WWII in 1945, there were some hopes of a Korean unification that were again destroyed by partitioning. At this time, a division was created (of a temporary nature) in order to hasten the capture of the defeated Japanese forces.

This activity, which was more of a plan for collaboration during a war between different occupying forces, however, turned into game of rivalry during the post-war times and the Korean division became permanent with hopes of a reunification slowly disappearing. During the various Korean Wars that took place after the WWII there have been attempts from both sides for a forced reunification, which failed to produce any definite results. Despite the reunification criteria, always remaining on agenda list of the Korean countries from 1953 onward, during the Cold War it was practically shelved after which the issue received very little attention.

3 The will to reunite is a strong emotion prevalent amongst both the Korean nations and is founded on the country’s long history of heritage, cultural ethnicity, and homogeneity that have created a sense of strong national unity.4 Integrated with significant influence from Chinese cultural heritage, Koreans believe in strong family ties and take deep pride in their national history and culture. Owing to this background, the Koreans still hope for a reunification, despite wars and years of tension between the two nations. Majority