The politics of inter -Korean negotiations, 1971--1992

This study investigates the impact of significant domestic political changes in South and North Korea on inter-Korean negotiations between 1971 through 1992. Since the armistice agreement in 1953, there have been three major periods of negotiations between South and North Korea. The first period began with the Joint Communique in the early 1970s, the second took place in the middle of 1980s, and the third occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Seoul and Pyongyang signed the Basic Agreement and Joint Declaration. Why did South-North Korean negotiations take place at these particular times? What factors were most influential in determining the outcome of the negotiations? Many scholars emphasize the importance of politics in negotiations, but what level of politics is most important analytically? If domestic politics is a major factor in inter-Korean negotiations, which domestic political phenomena have the most significant impact? What is the real role of negotiation in inter-Korean relations?; This dissertation seeks to answer these questions through a synthesis of the realist and conflict resolution approaches that concentrates on the impact of domestic politics, the international environment, and inter-Korean relations on negotiation. It also analyzes the two parties' interests, objectives, strategies and tactics. In contrast to much existing literature, this study argues that domestic political forces have had a greater influence on inter-Korean relations and negotiations than the international environment. While the paper does not minimize the importance of international factors, it suggests that domestic factors are generally more significant for the negotiation and implementation of agreements. Simultaneous significant political changes in South and North Korea were particularly important to the substance and ripeness of the three major inter-Korean negotiations. Ultimately, political leaders in South and North Korea took advantage of changes in the international environment to consolidate their political power through high-profile, security-oriented talks. Thus, rather contributing to a resolution of the conflict between the two Koreas, inter-Korean negotiations were often merely a tool serving each side's domestic political goals.