North Korean Contingency and The Determinants of Its Stabilization

Abstract

This study indicated that four factors, namely centralized power, economic stability, racial identity between the subjects and objects of military government, and the level of social division, were commonly important elements. The most critical factor among them was the power structure of the target country of stabilization. To make strategies succeed even in an extremely chaotic situation of North Korea, a wide range of strategies encompassing military, foreign affairs, and administration is needed. This study diagnosed the possibility of success and failure of stabilization strategies undertaken through military governance focusing on four variables. Besides these variables, minute additional elements can influence the outcomes of success or failure in complex ways. The analysis herein confirmed that stabilization can succeed when the control of central power is assured and the intervention of foreign power is deterred through military governance.