The Nature and Evolution of the Inter-Korean Legitimacy War

Abstract

Without understanding the nature and structure of inter-Korea competition, the relationship between the divided halves on the Korean peninsula, including the prospect of unification, cannot be properly comprehended. This relationship is predicated upon the premise that both systems cannot be simultaneously legitimate (one of the systems must be illegitimate and, therefore, disintegrated). The historical climate peculiar to the evolution of inter-Korea relations is unique. Each system has developed a political culture that contrasts with and often contradicts that of the other. As political institutions, domestic policy behavior, and foreign policy postures are all founded on the norms and values that constitute the foundation of regime legitimacy. The understanding of the political culture involving system legitimacy is particularly crucial in explaining and forecasting system characteristics and behaviors of the two Korean systems. By limiting analysis to the study of leadership characters or international contextual factors, even the most informed observers have consistently been puzzled by the unconventional nature of inter-Korea dynamics.