Abstract
This paper examines change in the North Korean military since the North-South Korea summit talks in June 2000. Although the historic summit talks had positive effects on inter-Korean relations and ROK security, there has not been significant progress in the military sector due to North Korea's insistence on “military bargaining” with the US and its military-focused system.
Despite the series of initiatives taken by North Korean authorities, including improvements in relations with Seoul and with the West, they have not addressed reform of the military-focused system. Pyongyang holds steadfastly to its “juche survival strategy,” maintaining the existing system with a strong central authority and “Military-First” Policy. Although there has been some movement toward improving management of the economy, it is too early to expect meaningful reform and opening along successful Chinese lines.
North Korea is expected to pursue its “strong and prosperous nation” policy by mobilizing internal resources and taking advantage of external aid. This strategy is not only unlikely to succeed but will stifle improvement in North-South Korean relations. Meanwhile, the frequent backtracking on agreements on exchanges and cooperation and the attempt to unilaterally control the direction of any progress may suffocate sympathetic sentiments. It may also affect negatively Pyongyang's drive for the better international economic cooperation it regards as necessary to establish a “strong and prosperous nation.”