Should the U.S. Continue to Maintain Forces in Korea?

Abstract

Abstract : The United States has maintained forces in the Republic of Korea (ROK) since the armistice that halted fighting in the Korean War was signed in 1953. Although the ROK developed into a thriving democracy with a robust economy that far outstrips its northern rival the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) the ROK still depends heavily on the U.S. for its security and defense. Today and foreseeably the next decade the ability of the U.S. to maintain a large troop presence in Korea is being strained because of the significant number of ground troops required for ongoing combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This paper will examine what level and mix of forces the U.S. should continue to maintain on the Korean Peninsula. It will answer the questions: - Are U.S. forces required in Northeast Asia to maintain regional stability and or U.S. interests? - Have past U.S. force reductions in Korea decreased stability/security in that region? - Are ROK forces capable of providing sufficient security for and defending the ROK? If not what capabilities do they lack? - Should U.S. forces in Korea as well as those supporting from Japan be relocated? If so where should they be located?