America's Commitment to South Korea: The First Decade of the Nixon Doctrine

by Joo-Hong Nam

• ISBN13: 9780521125444
• ISBN10: 0521125448
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-12-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The book analyses the strategic rationale of the American security commitment to South Korea in the light of the palpable failure of containment strategy in Indo-China. During the 1970s the dilemma confronting successive American administrations was that, whilst wishing to maintain their old commitment to South Korea, they had no desire to preside over another Vietnam. Military commitment and political support were necessarily disengaged, and the Nixon doctrine served as both the end and the means of containment strategy in Asia. The study identifies the principal conditions that have influenced changing American perspectives on South Korea, and examines some of the general problems of collective security in the region. Unique in the direct engagement of China, the Soviet Union and the United States, the security position of South Korea bears directly upon the achievement of peace and stability throughout East Asia.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Genesis

The foundation of US security policy in Korea

Strategy and Doctrine

Unlimited containment

The strategic implications for Korea and the Nixon Doctrine

The balance-of-power implications for Korea of the Nixon Doctrine

Nixon's legacy: Carter's policy of troop withdrawal from Korea

Conclusion

Appendices

Notes

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.