The unification of North and South Korea is one of the topics that are being actively discussed by modern scientists. It needs to be said that some issues that are related to this process are currently present and need to be addressed. Korea was divided as a result of World War II in 1945, and it has led to significant tension between the states (Helgesen 41). They are located in East Asia (see map. 1).
The most important aspect that should be considered is that the cost of reunification is expected to be enormous (“Korea Opportunities” par. 1). The difference between economies of these regions is dramatic, and the level of development is approximately forty times higher in South Korea. It is extremely likely that it will lead to tremendous growth in the long run, but GDP is expected to be decreased. Such process cannot be viewed as beneficial to the state at the moment, and may lead to severe political and economic complications. One of the reports suggests that both regions may be unified peacefully in the next 25-35 years (Liston par. 12). However, numerous internal and external factors should be considered in this case. It is extremely likely that the current situation is going to change in the nearest future, and such estimation will no longer be accurate. It was also criticized because it lacked any real data, and most are also skeptic about the policy (Liston par. 14).
Another significant issue that needs to be discussed is that the barriers that are currently related to this process are enormous and should be taken into account. One of the most important aspects is that North Korea has refused to discuss the issues that are related to nuclear weapons, and some other communication problems are also present. Is evident that both sides are determined to make sure that it happens on their terms, but their objectives are different at the moment. It needs to be said that numerous threats from the side of North Korea are significant factors that should not be disregarded (Winsor par. 4). Also, it is imperative to say that one of the primary issues is that populations of these states view each other as enemies, and the percentage of those who think that reunification is of utmost importance is getting lower each year (Liston par. 23).
It is entirely possible that any provocation may result in an enormous conflict that will be hard to resolve in a peaceful manner. It is imperative to say that it is not an easy task to actualize unification because dissimilarity between the cultures and traditions of these states is dramatic. It is imperative to say that a collapse of the form of government in North Korea is expected, and it is important to take necessary measures to be prepared for the process because it may be viewed as a significant opportunity for development.
In conclusion, it is extremely likely that unification will happen in the nearest future. North Korea is a global threat that should not be disregarded, and consequences of this process are expected to be quite significant. Overall, it is paramount to say that probability of this issue being resolved peacefully is incredibly small at the moment, and international intervention may be necessary to limit possible risks.
Works Cited
Helgesen, Geir. Democracy and Authority in Korea. 1998. London, UK: Routledge. Print.
“Korea Opportunities.” The Economist. The Economist. Web. 2015.
Liston, Enjoli. “North and South Korea: Can Seoul’s Plans for Reunification Work?” The Guardian. The Guardian, 2015. Web.
North and South Korea [map]. 2015. Scale undetermined; generated by Your Name; using “Google My Maps”. Web.
Winsor, Morgan. “Will North, South Korea Unify? Eventual Unification Through Peace Or Violence Will Happen, US Military Official Says.” International Business Times. International Business Times. Web. 2015.