NATIONAL REUNIFICATION

National Reunification

National Reunification

Introduction

The motivation and enthusiasm for reunification of North and South Korea, stimulated by what emerged to be a well-organized and rapid reunification of Germany, have been considerably diminished by the recognition of the huge expenditure. Though similarities with the German reunification incident were clear, in retrospection the two circumstances have far less familiar than first idea. Regardless of these dissimilarities, some patterns from the German reunification, particularly corresponding to industries privatization, property rights, and financial union, will be related to the Korean condition.

1. Comparison to Germany

It is difficult to point to a single factor or, for that matter, to a combination of factors that were to lead to the reunification. Possibly the armaments race, with its emphasis on high technology, proved too costly to the Soviet Union, causing its economy to become overburdened. Perhaps the changing direction of the Soviet Union through Mikhail Gorbachev's glasnost and perestroika policies produced totally unexpected side effects. However that may be, in early 1989 Gorbachev made the rounds in Eastern Europe, telling its Communist rulers that they would be on their own. In other words, the era of the Brezhnev Doctrine was over. The factor of relative deprivation may also have played a role. The affluent lifestyle of their Western neighbors was something East Germans were thoroughly aware of: They watched it on television. It was a colorful lifestyle that they would have preferred for themselves; in comparison, their lives continued to be gray. (Timothy 2003)

A. Historical differences

As the circumstances of North and South Korea may appear similar to West and East Germany, there are some noteworthy dissimilarities. Germany did not go through a civil war which caused many casualties, meaning the blood of both side people will come in the way. West and East Germany continued a operational link after the war, but the North and South Korea's link has been more bitter. (AsianInfo.org)

B. Culture

The traditions of the two Koreas have divided after the division, even if conventional culture and history of Korea are split. Additionally, numerous people were divided by the partition of Korea. In the virtually similar situation of the reunification of Germany. The tremendous dissimilarities of South and North Korean lifestyle and culture, the consequences may continue even longer.

C. Economy

Economic dissimilarities between South and North Korea also are a reason of distress. Reunification of Korean might be different from the model of the reunification of Germany. But still economy may not hinder the way to unified Korea as depicted in the following table.

BALANCE SHEET: EAST AND WEST GERMANY ON THE EVE OF UNIFICATION

East Germany built the strongest economy in the Soviet bloc, but its standard of living lagged far behind that of West Germany, creating challenges for the unified German state after 1990.

Federal Republic of Germany (West)

German Democratic Republic (East)

Population

61 million

17 million

Life Expectancy

Men, 71.2 years; women,

78.1 years Men, 69.5 years; women, 75.4 years

Gross National Product

$1.12 trillion

$207.2 billion

Public Spending on Education

9.4% of all government expenditures

5.5% of all government expenditures

New Books Published

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