A case study of the North Korean nuclear crisis and negotiation process: Conflict resolution perspectives
The most salient symptom of the intractable conflict between North and South Korea has been the North's nuclear development since 1993. This work examines the events leading to North Korea's nuclear development and lessons we can learn in order to reduce further tension on the Korean Peninsula. Several subjects are examined: the nonproliferation negotiations between North Korea and the United States; the origin and causes of North Korea's nuclear development within the context of North Korea's internal and external environment in the post cold war era; the "Needs Theory" as a theoretical framework to explain the North's motivation for developing nuclear weaponry; negotiating power and cultural factors in connection to the negotiations between the United States and North Korea; and the most suitable and effective negotiating roles for the major players. These subjects are all considered within the theoretical framework of conflict resolution. Therefore, this work aims to demonstrate the essential importance of conflict resolution studies in analyzing conflict and learning practical lessons from it. With this perspective, the Korean is indeed a valuable case to examine.