Securitizing Cooperation: Nuclear Politics and Inter-Korean Relations

Article type: Research Paper Purpose—While today inter–Korean cooperation and the North Korean nuclear issues seem to be inseparable, the close linkage between these two aspects is a result of a specific policy implemented by South Korean governments in the last decade. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that this linkage has been ineffective in reducing the traditional security threat of the North Korean nuclear program, and counterproductive for inter–Korean cooperation. Design, Methodology, Approach—This article is based on non-traditional inter- national relations and security studies and in particular on the theoretical approach of Securitization. It analyzes the design and implementation of inter–Korean policies over the last two decades. Findings—This study demonstrates that considering North Korean de- nuclearization as a pre-condition for inter–Korean cooperation significantly under- mines the chances for improving inter–Korean relations. The main reason lies in the fact that the two issues are interrelated but different and that South Korea is not considered by North Korea as a relevant counterpart for the nuclear issue. Practical Implications—This article provides a useful and innovative explanation for the recent failures in inter–Korean cooperation. These findings will help policy- makers in designing and implementing more effective inter–Korean policies. Originality—This study makes original contribution by applying the theoretical framework of securitization to inter–Korean cooperation and by underscoring the importance of addressing inter–Korean relations and the North Korean nuclear pro- gram as two separate issues.