Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Korea (North)
Title
North Korea Closes Boarder to the South
Summary
North Korea has announced that it will close the boarder between itself and South Korea beginning December 1. Tensions between the North and South have increased since South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak took office last February. North Korea vows to shut down or eliminate any boarder crossings between the two countries and threatens this could lead to a permanent severance of ties between the two states.
Analysis
A permanent severance of ties between North and South Korea would hurt both countries and only cause more tensions between the two states. North Korea has become increasing annoyed with South Korea’s non-active role in prohibiting civic groups from spreading anti-Northern leaflets into the North. The North, which still claims leader Kim Jong-Il is healthy and in power, also threatened to take over the Kaesong complex which is funded by the South, but resides in the North. Between 30-35,000 North Koreans work at the complex, which is important to the Southern economy.
A breakdown between these two states would mean they would both lose critical tactics to help solve problems between the two states, and in the region. Diplomatic relations and well as trade and interdependence upon one another would be hindered. Both states are aware of their heated past and have been able to co-exist with each other despite differences. However, if the two cease to communicate, there is a greater chance their past could repeat itself in the years to come.
Perspectivel
Liberal
In-Region URL
http://theseoultimes.com/ST/index.html
Out-of-Region URL
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7723729.stm
Submitted
November 12, 2008 at 08:48 am