Explaining anti-U.S. military base sentiment in South Korea
Loading...
Authors
Sho, Wan J.
Subjects
South Korea
U.S. bases
democratization
nationalism
alliance
U.S. bases
democratization
nationalism
alliance
Advisors
Weiner, Robert J.
Date of Issue
2017-06
Date
Jun-17
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The United States has been South Korea's (the Republic of Korea, or ROK) most influential ally since World War II. It helped defend the South from the North's invasion during the Korean War, and South Korea helped the United States during the Vietnam War. Moreover, the United States and South Korea have come to mutually benefit from extensive economic ties. Nevertheless, the security relationship has shifted over time. In the early 2000s, public protests against U.S. military bases in South Korea soared. This thesis asks: Why has anti-U.S. base sentiment emerged and fluctuated in South Korea? It is argued that, since 1987, the democratization of South Korea affected the country's politics, economics, military, and society. During this transition, a number of governments allowed anti-U.S. base sentiment to take root and grow, especially under the administrations of progressive party leaders. In addition, resurgent Korean nationalism during the early 2000s strained U.S.–ROK relations, which also elevated anti-U.S. base sentiment in South Korea. Nonetheless, anti-U.S. sentiment has decreased since conservative party leaders won elections in 2008.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.