ABSTRACT
The Korean Peninsula has long been considered the last relic of the Cold War era
where protracted military tension has outweighed prospects for peace and stability.
Defying the global trend of progress toward a post-Cold War order, both Koreas
have engaged in the vicious circle of suspicion, distrust, and mutual negation,
often flaring up in military clashes. As recently as June 1999, a perilous naval
clash heightened the potential for a major escalation. Indeed, peace has been distant,
while conflict has been near. Perpetual insecurity and fear of war have haunted
the Korean people.
