| The overall configuration of the contemporary world has been that of nation-states retaining sovereignty and consequently remaining the principal actors in international politics, even with the unprecedented "interdependency among states." With this international political system, sovereign independence, which had been virtually absent in Korea's traditional foreign politics, was an indispensable requirement for economic growth in the Republic of Korea. Since the traditional "interdependent" political structure of Korea led to her chronic "dependent" system, Korea's pattern of political development primarily involved the struggle for modern sovereign independence, which was a departure from her traditional structure.;The 1969-1971 textile negotiation between the Republic of Korea and the United States was to mark an epochal rejection of traditional "interdependence" by Korea. In the negotiation, the "gap" between the two countries concerning textile and wool imports from Korea proved to be insurmountable, i.e., the U.S. proposal was to allow an export increase of 5% in contrast to 42.8% which was the position of the Korean Government. Both governments held to their positions for approximately one and half years. In the end of the Maurice Stans-Chung Ryum Kim round of negotiations (June, 1970), the U.S. Commerce Secretary changed the position of the U.S. to 9-11%. This round, however, was deadlocked because of Korea's adherence to 42.8%. When David Kennedy and Lee Nak Sun were appointed the negotiators in June, 1971, Korea compromised by agreeing to a reduction to 24% (June, 1971) and finally to 12% (October 1971). However, the U.S. position moved in the opposite direction, i.e., 5-7% (September) and finally 1-7% (October). When the negotiation was concluded (January 4, 1972), it was pos sible "only" because of the dominant bargaining power of the United States, i.e., "ultimatum." In short, the textile negotiation was a manifestation of prevalent political confrontations in world politics between Independence and Interdependence. As a consequence of this negotiation, Korea shifted its economic strategy, exhibiting a new and independent orientation. . . . (Author's abstract exceeds stipulated maximum length. Discontinued here with permission of author.) UMI. |
