Kim, Insoo

Abstract
This study aims to examine why the South Korean government’s engagement policy toward North Korea did not create a functionalist spillover effect. In pursuit of this goal, we address two questions: (1) What factors make North Korea especially supportive of inter-Korean dialogue on low-level politics; and (2) have these factors created a favorable condition for inter-Korean dialogue on high-level politics? Analysis of 455 inter-Korean dialogues indicates that North Korea made use of inter-Korean dialogue as a means of enhancing its chance for regime survival. The major findings go as follows. First, the agenda of the inter- Korean dialogue that North Korea may want to discuss with South Korea may vary according to political conditions that North Korea is encountering. Second, if North Korea’s economic instability increases, North Korea tends to call for economic talks and military talks that all seem to be associated with North Korea’s intention to seduce South Korea to provide North Korea with greater government aid. Third, an increase in South Korean government aid to North Korea failed to produce a condition favorable for further inter-Korean reconciliation and integration.
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