Scholar Backs Command Shift Delay

“Though South Korea should recover its wartime operational control in the long run, now is not the optimal time.”

The internationally renowned American scholar Paul Kennedy (61), history professor of Yale University, said that it is too early for Korea to recover its wartime operational control, a contested issue in Korea. Author of the bestseller ‘The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers,’ Professor Kennedy stated in an interview with Dong-A Ilbo held at Shilla Hotel in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul on September 13, “After 9-11 the world has become more vulnerable and dangerous, more capricious and uncertain.”

He further advised, “The South Korean government should wait one or two more years and pursue recovery of wartime operational control after the world becomes more stable.”

Kennedy visited South Korea on September 13 to give a keynote speech at the ‘International Forum on National Ocean Strategy’ held at the Shilla Hotel on September 14 under the auspices of the Korean Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Though noticeably exhausted after a long trip, he responded in a clear voice after thinking deeply for each question posed.

On the current situation of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, Professor Kennedy used a subtle expression to show his concern. “If one side starts to dislike the other, the other side will of course be hurt and respond accordingly, which will be reflected in its policies.”

He especially emphasized, “Even if the American ambassador in Korea might mention that ‘It is not something to worry about,’ that is not true (on the weakening of the South Korea-U.S. alliance) and it should not be depended upon at face value.”

He compared Korea’s current geopolitical situation as an ant amongst four elephants, meaning the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia. He added, “Korea should be alert and consider ways to enhance its diplomatic capacity.”

On his keynote speech at the international forum on September 14, the day after his interview with Dong-A Ilbo, Professor Kennedy emphasized the importance of naval power that can support a maritime power.

On Professor Kennedy’s interview, Seoul National University Professor of Diplomacy Jeon Jae-seong said, “He clearly identified the Korea-U.S. alliance and recovery of wartime operational control issue by considering the global impact of the U.S. and its strategy change, as well as the change of power in the Northeast Asian region,” and that “the South Korean government, which is operating with a narrow viewpoint on the Korean peninsula situation and the Korea-U.S. relations, should take heed of his warning.”

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