The Structure and Dynamics of Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation Governance

Book Introduction

The purpose of this book, called ‘inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation Governance’. is to promote inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation in the social and cultural field during the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations. In other words, the authors intended to reveal who the main actors of exchange and cooperation are, how networks between these actors are formed, and what power and resources the actors have. To this end, the government selected organizations that played a central role in the past period of exchange and cooperation and sought ways to advance inter-Korean exchange and cooperation method toward peaceful unification to the next level. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with representatives of the relevant organizations.

The Lee Myung-bak administration’s North Korea policy is very different from that of administrations prior. With the North Korean attack of Yeonpyeong Island a corresponding shift toward South Korea’s current policy towards North Korea, inter-Korean relations have come under strain. This book provides suggestions for alternative systems that can contribute to overcoming division and building sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula regardless of transfers of power that occur in either North or South Korea.

Publication Date: 2012