The ROK-U.S. Joint Political and Military Response to North Korean Armed Provocations

This report on the joint political and military response of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States to North Korean armed provocations is based on the knowledge, experience, and insight gained from the author’s career as a ROK military officer. As such, the study offers his unique personal perspective on the current situation in the Korean peninsula and, more broadly, Northeast Asia. General Lee outlines in a clear and concise way how South Korea is reassessing its security situation, as well as the steps that need to be taken by the Korean defense establishment to more effectively deter threatening actions by North Korea. The author also examines the changing nature of the operational security partnership between the ROK and U.S. military organizations and what should be considered as next steps to coordinate more effectively our shared operations.

General Sung-Chool Lee was visiting fellow of Korea Chair in 2011.