ABSTRACT
The Korean peninsula, where the interests of the major Asian powers are at stake, is a highly inflammable region in Asia. Security in Korea is heavily affected by complex external and internal conditions. While the Asian powers exert their influence on Korea, Seoul and Pyongyang each pursue active domestic and foreign policies. Foremost American interests in Korea lie in maintaining a stable strategic and political environment, stressing the avoidance of hegemony by any major power on the peninsula. For the reduction of tensions between the two Koreas, the United States has encouraged the successful development of South-North Korean dialogue. Japan shares a common interest with the United States in preserving stability and reducing tensions on the Korean peninsula to promote its security and economic interests. Soviet policy toward the Korean peninsula is primarily a function of its complex strategic relationship with other major powers, particularly the United States, China, and Japan.
