Korea in World Politics, 1940-1950

Korea in World Politics, 1940-1950: An Evaluation of American Responsibility provides an in-depth exploration of U.S. foreign policy and its profound impact on Korea during a transformative and tumultuous decade. Focused on the critical years from the Cairo Conference in 1943 to the brink of the Korean War in 1950, the book examines how American policy decisions contributed to the division of the Korean peninsula and the subsequent failure to achieve reunification. Through a meticulous analysis of diplomatic strategies, military occupation, and Cold War tensions, the study underscores the consequences of U.S. actions—or inactions—in shaping Korea’s political trajectory. By tracing key moments like the implementation of the 38th parallel, failed negotiations with the Soviet Union, and the eventual establishment of two Koreas, the book highlights the complexities and missteps that cemented Korea's division.

This scholarly work also delves into broader themes, such as the interplay of domestic Korean challenges, Soviet-American rivalry, and the nascent policies of containment. The author critiques the inadequacies of U.S. policy, emphasizing the disconnect between American ideals and practical implementation, as well as the lack of consistent coordination between policymakers in Washington and occupation authorities in Seoul. Written with both historical rigor and a personal lens, the book provides not only a critical assessment of American responsibility but also a heartfelt call for more informed and empathetic policy in the future. It offers valuable insights for understanding Korea’s modern challenges and the enduring legacy of its division on global geopolitics.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1967.