One Alliance, Two Lenses: U.S.-Korea Relations in a New Era (Studies of the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center)

Using newly collected data from American and Korean newspapers, this book examines relations between the United States and South Korea from 1992 to 2003, a particularly contentious period in the history of the two allies. "One Alliance, Two Lenses" examines U.S.-Korea relations in a short but dramatic period (1992-2003) that witnessed the end of the Cold War, South Korea's full democratization, inter-Korean engagement, two nuclear crises, and the start of the U.S. war on terror. These events have led to a new era of challenges and opportunities for U.S.-South Korea (ROK) relations. Based on analysis of newly collected data from major American and Korean newspapers, this book argues that the two allies have developed different lenses through which they view their relationship. Shin argues that U.S.-ROK relations, linked to the issue of national identity for Koreans, are largely treated as a matter of policy for Americans--a difference stemming from each nation's relative power and role in the international system. Offering rich empirical data and analysis of a critically important bilateral relationship, Shin also presents policy suggestions to improve a relationship, which--after 50 years--has come under more sustained and serious criticism than ever before Identity politics and policy disputes in U.S.-Korea relations -- Why the news media? data and methods -- North Korea and contending South Korean identities -- Alliance politics in South Korea -- American views of South Korea and the alliance -- Dealing with the "axis of evil"--Identity and policy in the alliance -- A new era in U.S.-ROK relations Identity politics and policy disputes in U.S.-Korea relations Why the news media? data and methods North Korea and contending South Korean identities Alliance politics in South Korea American views of South Korea and the alliance Dealing with the "axis of evil" Identity and policy in the alliance A new era in U.S.-ROK relations.