ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how the Wilsonian framework can be used to give a better understanding of the reasons for the United States' intervention in the Korean War of 1950–1953. It focuses at the United States' response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea in 1950. The chapter discusses how we can use the Wilsonian framework to better understand the conflict in Korea. It also discusses the contemporary debate around the conflict and why the economic and strategic explanations in this debate do not wholly suffice. The chapter investigates how Wilsonianism contributed to the decision to intervene in the Korean War. It examines how much agency the United States had in deciding to go to war in Korea. The chapter shows that the Korean War serves as an important example of the collective security doctrine that is a fundamental part of the Wilsonian School.
