Creating Strategic Agility in Northeast Asia

Abstract

Abstract : Northeast Asia remains one of the most volatile areas of the world. Military rivalries, economic competition, ideological differences, strategic location, and our commitment to our allies, combine to make stability in this region a vital interest of the United States. For the last fifty years the United States forces in Northeast Asia have focused primarily on the defense of South Korea from a North Korean attack. Over 37,000 US forces remain today in Korea, with a significant number in Japan in a support role. In recent years however, the South Korean defense capability has significantly improved while many aspects of the North Korean offensive capability have eroded; yet the size and mission focus of U.S. forces in Korea remains virtually unchanged. Despite recent announcements admitting to a nuclear program by Pyongyang, many remain optimistic that an attack by North Korea is increasingly unlikely and that a peaceful reconciliation between North and South is probable in the near future. This research paper examines the strategic importance of Northeast Asia and the possible points of conflict, reviews the current political/military situation on the Korean Peninsula, and asks the question; does the United States still have the right forces and mission focus in Korea, or are there options which could be pursued today that better meet the objectives of the National Security Strategy, set the favorable conditions for reconciliation between the two Koreas and provide a much more flexible regional response capability in Northeast Asia?