ID | 108571 |
Title Proper | RMA diffusion paths and patterns in South Korea's military modernization |
Language | ENG |
Author | Raska, Michael |
Publication | 2011. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | Notwithstanding the perennial body of literature covering the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) debate over the past two decades, the vast majority of writings have been silent or ignored the implications of the RMA diffusion on the security and defense policies of advanced small states and middle powers. This paper bridges this knowledge gap by tracing the impact of the RMA diffusion and its adaptation in the Republic of Korea's military modernization processes. The principal argument is that for over two decades South Korea has been rethinking its defense strategies, while searching for relevant operational concepts that would allow greater flexibility, adaptability, and autonomy that address existing as well as future-oriented defense requirements. In the process, the ROK military has pursued RMA-oriented force modernization in order to acquire advanced military capabilities to counter the widening spectrum of threats, mitigate technological and interoperability gaps with U.S. forces, and eventually attain a self-reliant defense posture. In this context, South Korea's RMA trajectory shows patterns of speculation and experimentation in terms of concepts, doctrine, and technology; however, with relatively incremental implementation in the use of force. Accordingly, there has not been a distinct Korean RMA-oriented conceptual strategic innovation toward a new theory of war; nor has the Korean RMA trajectory reflected a disruptive paradigm shift in warfare. |
`In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 3; Sep 2011: p.369-385 |
Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 3; Sep 2011: p.369-385 |
Key Words | Military Modernization ; South Korea ; Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) ; Warfare |