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engaged in the region? These are crucial questions, the answers to which will shape the region in
dramatic ways. Moreover, the answers to these questions will not come in isolation from each
other as the consequences of one answer, China’s future as a regional and global power for
example, will have an impact on the decisions and behaviors of the others.
North and South Korea will have a limited ability to influence the outcomes of these
questions and will not be able to control the conflict between the big power rivals in Northeast
Asia. However, North and South Korea are not powerless and have some ability to shape the
future of these rivalries. Moreover, to do nothing or even worse, join the fray and exacerbate the
conflict could be far worse. Should reunification occur in the next 50 years, the situation will
change dramatically as a united Korea will have greater leverage in the long-term but will likely
be preoccupied with domestic adjustment issues in the short-term. At the moment, while North
Korea is more limited in its options, consistent and timely ROK efforts to promote dialogue,
transparency, and cooperation can have an important impact on the long-term peace and stability
of the region.
Convention