Hwang, Jin Hwoan

Abstract
The events of 9/11 provided the critical momentum for the U.S. to believe that the source and type of threats it faces have fundamentally changed, calling for radically different policy responses. Accordingly, to counter these newly emerging asymmetric threats, the Bush administration has pursued sweeping changes in its national security strategy and defense policy. Under the guidance of the new defense paradigm, the U.S. military has been transforming its forces from an industrial age force to an information – age force. Changes in the defense strategy require a reorganization of U.S. forces, including U.S. forces staying in foreign countries. USFK troops are no exception. This paper examines the background of defense transformation, and specifically explores the impact of global U.S. defense transformation strategy and its implications for the USFK realignment issue from an operational – military perspective. Based upon this analysis, some policy options for the South Korean government are suggested.
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