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Decision-Making Process of the ROK Defense Reform of Lee Myung-bak Administrations and the Role of Dominant Power Centers

Lee, Yang-gu 1

1국방부 군사편찬연구소

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ABSTRACT

This thesis explores the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Defense Reform(reform ’12–’30) to determine the relevant actors between the reform and their effect on the decision-making process, with a focus on the roles of ‘dominant power centers’ in the policy-making. This study also exposes the undercurrents of policy materials to the process of executing the national defense reform. During these phases, ‘dominant power centers’ emerged and took lead the debate forward, allowing for the decision-making process to bear fruit. Dispute between the navy and air force occurred from the initial stage of reform ’12–’30—the dissension eventually was resolved by the minister of national defense, who was delegated authority to do so by the president. However, the legislation process at the National Assembly faced strong opposition from both the members of the National Defense Committee and the naval and air force veteran associations and reserve organizations. Overall, the analysis reveals the following key actors and their impact on the defense reform processes. First, the president’s preference directly impacted the policy-making process. Second, the ROK Navy (ROKN) and ROK Air Force (ROKAF), as individual organizations, had direct and marginal impact on policy-making process. Third, National Defense Committee members’ differences in power and expertise impacted the process. Fourth, the direction of the reform was decided by the ‘dominant power centers’ with exclusive expertise. Fifth, the chairman of the National Defense Committee, representatives of both ruling and opposition parties, and the president were requested to exercise political power upon the legislation process. Lastly, the influence of groups that shape public opinion (such as retired military officers) increased.

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