Korean Nationalism in a Divided Nation: Challenges to US Policy

Abstract

Korean nationalism poses challenges for Koreans dwelling in each half of the divided Korean nation because each half of the nation must simultaneously deal with both their own and the other half’s form of semi-nationalism and also with peninsular pan-nationalism. Coping with these three forms of nationalism is also a problem for US policy toward each Korean state and toward inter-Korean relations. Understanding the historical evolution of these dynamics is crucial to all three players, but their perspectives on that historical legacy differ – adding to the complexity of the issue. The ways in which China, Russia and Japan cope with Korean nationalism further complicates matters for US policy. Over time, as a unified Korea’s nationalism becomes more likely, the USA shall have to adapt its policy toward Korea in a more creative manner.