Korea 2010: The Challenges of the New Millennium

 

Prepared by ITTA for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Korea 2010 is intended for readers of all nationalities with commercial, political, diplomatic, security, and other interests in the Republic of Korea, a vitally important country, major U.S. trading partner and treaty ally. ITTA wrote this 220-page book for CSIS, which published it in September 2001.

 

Dr. Kim Kihwan, one of Korea’s most respected economists, wrote the foreword, pointing out "…the central question for our consideration is whether Korea, an industrial nation, will make a successful transition to a knowledge-based economy over the next ten years. This is, of course, an important question not only to policymakers but to all who care about Korea’s future."

 

In answering this key question, Korea 2010 assesses the impact of South Korea’s rapid industrialization coupled with its growing use of knowledge era tools and concepts on the country's political, economic, and other major social institutions. The analysis examines six global trends playing out in South Korea:

 

I.  The Foundations for Change: Demographic, environmental and cultural

 

II.  Engines of History: Scientific, technological, social and psychological

 

III.  A Human Resources Economy:  Importance and implications

 

IV.  An Era of Global Tribes: Globalization, pluralism. nationalism, regionalism

 

V.  The Rise of New Authorities: Renewing the social order

 

VI.  A Test of Human Psychology: An ancient culture under stress

 

The analysis of these six trends lays the foundation for alternative development scenarios Koreans might follow in the first decade of the 21st century.

 

Endorsements:

  • Jeffrey D. Jones, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea:

"Korea 2010 is a must read for anyone interested in or currently involved with Korea. Paul Chamberlin provides an informative analysis of the social, political and economic institutions in Korea and the challenges that must be overcome for Korea to reach the next plateau. Korea has gone through some very wrenching changes in the past three years and Korea 2010 provides valuable insight into the ongoing transformation of Korea and the choices ahead to make this transition successful."

  • James R. Lilley, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, 1986-1989, and the People Republic of China, 1989-1991; Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research:

"Paul Chamberlin is extraordinarily well qualified to explain a traditional Korea in a changing world with its stresses, anxieties, potential for turmoil and enormous opportunities for progress. His research is meticulous and balanced, and his findings are relevant. This is an important book to be read by anyone who seeks to understand Korea, as well as for the general reader who is interested in what may be going to happen to a significant part of mankind."

  • Richard D. McCormick, President of the International Chamber of Commerce:

"The eyes of the world are on the Republic of Korea, an "Asian tiger" whose strategic location, skilled labor force and investments in technology have fueled economic growth. With growth come challenges, and anyone contemplating Korean investments, operations or alliances needs to be well informed. You’ll find in this book a solid overview of Korea today, and a thoughtful analysis of its outlook for tomorrow."

  • Don Oberdorfer, former Washington Post diplomatic correspondent and author of Two Koreas – A Contemporary History:

"Korea 2010 is a vivid portrayal of the extraordinary challenges ahead for a country already in the midst of much greater change than is generally recognized. This useful work demonstrates that quite apart from the struggle with the North, South Korea faces a complex and difficult future."

  • Chung-in Moon, Dean, Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul:

"Korea 2010 provides an in-depth analysis of contemporary Korea and alternative visions of its future. It features a rich, lucid, up-to-date, and balanced analysis. This innovative book is essential reading for those who are interested in contemporary Korean affairs."

 

Korea 2010 is available for purchase at www.csis.org and selected bookstores.
 

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