North-South Korean Reconciliation and Security on the Korean Peninsula

The inter-Korean summit talks laid historic groundwork for a new era of peace on the Korean peninsula. But a more challenging task to institutionalize the peace process lies ahead. It includes a peace treaty, cross-recognition of the two Koreas by the four major powers, regional cooperation, and arms control and disarmament. The security policy of the two Koreas should be oriented toward arms control and disarmament, since an arms race beyond “reasonable sufficiency” is not desirable. Due to the asymmetric balance between ROK(- U.S.) superiority in war-fighting capabilities and the DPRK’s deterrents, an arms buildup by South Korea will be matched by an asymmetric buildup by North Korea.