Oral Presentation on the Inter-Korea Conflict .pdf

Oral Presentation on the Inter- Korea Con ict Part 1: Geography The Inter-Korea con ict is deeply rooted in the geographical division of the Korean Peninsula. This peninsula, located in Northeast Asi...

Oral Presentation on the Inter- Korea Con ict Part 1: Geography The Inter-Korea con ict is deeply rooted in the geographical division of the Korean Peninsula. This peninsula, located in Northeast Asia, is bordered by China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and surrounded by the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and the Yellow Sea. The division between North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK) is marked by the 38th parallel, a line that has become one of the most forti ed borders in the world. The rugged terrain, including mountains and rivers, contributes to the complexity of military operations and border control. The peninsula’s strategic location and division have made it a focal point for regional and global powers, in uencing the ongoing con ict. Part 2: History The con ict began in the aftermath of World War II when Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation. The peninsula was divided into two occupation zones along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States the south. This division set the stage for the creation of two separate governments in 1948: the DPRK in the north and the ROK in the south. Tensions escalated into the Korean War in 1950 when North Korea, with support from the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. The war, involving signi cant U.S. and UN military intervention, resulted in a stalemate and an armistice agreement in 1953, but no formal peace treaty was signed, leaving the two Koreas technically at war. Over the decades, the con ict has been marked by military skirmishes, ideological rivalry, and e orts at reconciliation, such as the Sunshine Policy in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Part 3: Politics The political dynamics of the Inter-Korea con ict are shaped by the starkly di erent regimes and ideologies of North and South Korea. North Korea, under the Kim dynasty (Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un), has maintained a totalitarian regime focused on military strength and nuclear capabilities. Major political decisions in North Korea have included the shift from economic development to defense in the mid-1960s and the development of nuclear weapons. South Korea, on the other hand, has evolved from an authoritarian regime under leaders like Syngman Rhee and Park Chung Hee to a vibrant democracy with a strong market economy. South Korea's signi cant decisions include the alliance with the United States and economic development policies that have transformed it into a global economic power. Attempts at dialogue and reconciliation, such as the 1972 Joint Communiqué, the 1991 Basic Agreement, and the Sunshine Policy initiated by President Kim Dae Jung, re ect ongoing but often thwarted e orts at resolving the con ict. Part 4: Facts 1. Duration: The modern phase of the con ict began in 1948 and remains unresolved. 2. Key Figures: Key leaders include Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un of North Korea, and Syngman Rhee, Park Chung Hee, Kim Dae Jung, and Moon Jae-in of South Korea. 3. Interventions: Major external interventions include the U.S. and UN military involvement during the Korean War and continuous U.S. military presence in South Korea, as well as China's support for North Korea. 4. Key Events: - 1948: Establishment of DPRK and ROK. - 1950-1953: Korean War. - 1998-2008: Sunshine Policy period. - 2000: Historic summit between North and South Korean leaders. fl fi fl fl fl fl fl fl fl ff fl fi ff ff fl fi 5. Current Status: The con ict remains unresolved with periodic military skirmishes, nuclear tests by North Korea, and diplomatic e orts for peace. 6. Impact: The con ict has resulted in signi cant military and civilian casualties, economic sanctions on North Korea, and a heavily militarized border, impacting the lives of millions on both sides. Conclusion: The Inter-Korea con ict began with the division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II, continued through a devastating war and decades of military and ideological confrontation, and remains unresolved due to entrenched political positions and strategic interests. The geographical division, historical grievances, and stark political di erences have made the con ict one of the longest and most challenging in modern history. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the path to a lasting peace remains elusive, highlighting the need for sustained diplomatic e orts and mutual concessions to achieve a stable and uni ed Korean Peninsula. ff fl fl fl ff fi ff fi fl