Robert W. Ogburn
Abstract:
This article analyzes the role of US human rights diplomacy in reforming the newly established South Korean nation into one that respects the rights of its citizens. South Korea came into formation following the establishment of the 38th Parallel by the Soviet Union and the United States. Though individuals in the US, mainly MacArthur, promoted further expansion north and military action against Korea, the 38th Parallel was settled on to avoid total war with China. Yet given that South Korea’s military is smaller than that of the North, and that Seoul is located close to the Parallel, it relies on the US military for defense which grants US much input into South Korean affairs. With the election of Jimmy Carter, human rights became a focal point of US foreign policy. This was where South Korea fell short, as it made laws against the critique of the constitution and used torturous techniques to force confessions out of communists operating under North Korea’s hand. Protests against the government led to about 300 students being arrested. The US’ preferred approach of human rights diplomacy was shown in how it used open encouragement to deal with South Korea’s human rights issues. With the desire of South Koreans for better democratic and human rights institutions, the nation is successfully moving toward better human rights in a laissez-faire diplomatic fashion.
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