This is a unique and definitive study to reassess the complex dynamics of US-Korea diplomatic relations during the Reagan presidency. It examines the goals, methods, and legacy of Reagan's policy toward Korea with emphasis on the realities of alliance politics and the tactics of quiet diplomacy. It questions a widely held view that Reagan showed simplistic, inattentive, and rigid approaches toward foreign affairs, arguing that his actual policy, as demonstrated in the Korea case, was more sophisticated, nuanced, and pragmatic than commonly assumed. Based on a vast amount of confidential diplomatic documents, especially in Korean, and interviews the author has conducted with US and Korean leaders, Lee sheds new light on Reagan's role in promoting democratization in South Korea as well as his engagement with North Korea.

Offers insights based on confidential diplomatic documents, especially in Korean, and interviews the author has conducted with US and Korean leaders over the years Challenges the old stereotypical views on Reagan's international outlook, and systematically advances a new, important, and definitive interpretation on Reagan's nuanced, balanced, and sophisticated role in foreign relations Provides a comparative perspective on leaders like US presidents (Nixon, Carter, Reagan), South Korean Presidents (Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo), Secretaries of State, Assistant Secretaries of State, US Ambassadors and more.

Autorentext

Chae-Jin Lee is Bank of America Professor of Pacific Basin Studies and Professor of Government (Emeritus) at Claremont McKenna College, USA.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: Ronald Reagan's Foreign Policy.- 2. Embracing the Primacy of Alliance and Stability.- 3. Dealing with Tragedies and Crises in Korea.- 4. Kim Dae Jung: Exile in America and its Aftermath.- 5. Protests, Succession Struggles, and Economic Relations.- 6. In Pursuit of Democratization and Engagement.- 7. Assessments and Prospects.