National Security and the Choice of International Humanitarian Aid: Denmark and the Korean War, 1950–1953

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine Midtgaard

Denmark was among five countries contributing humanitarian assistance to United Nations (UN) forces during the Korean War. In August 1950, Denmark offered to place at the disposal of the UN a fully equipped hospital ship. The decision reflected the Danish government's reluctance to send combat troops to Korea but its desire to take part in other ways. This article analyzes the political, organizational, and practical aspects of Danish policy, showing how Denmark's engagement in Korea was civilian rather than military in its orientation. The assistance was organized by the Danish Red Cross, and the staff was mainly civilian. In addition to treating wounded UN soldiers, the civilian Danish hospital staff treated civilian Korean patients. Denmark balanced its aversion to sending military forces with its desire to ensure goodwill in Washington.

World Affairs ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 004382002110247
Author(s):  
James Alexander Foley

This article describes and analyzes the desperate situation of Korean first-generation divided family members who are still separated from their relatives nearly 70 years since the end of the Korean War (1950–1953). I aim to provide the reader with a reasonable quantification of the problem and make projections as to this first generation's likely future survival. The elements of the approach adopted to resolve the issue of family separation by the humanitarian bodies charged with addressing the problem, the Red Cross Societies of the two Koreas are described, and suggestions are made for improvement. The reunion program's successes and failures are critically assessed as is the key role played by the Red Cross Talks in the history of inter-Korean relations. Finally, conclusions are drawn as to the practical measures which may contribute to a resolution to the problem before the final disappearance of Korea's first generation of aged, separated family members.


Author(s):  
Kil Joo Ban

Abstract Which is needed more: sovereignty or security? The autonomy–security trade-off model sees this as a trade-off between a client and a patron. A client surrenders some measure of autonomy to a patron and, in turn, receives security. This paper explores whether the underlying logic is applicable to quasi-alliances between a state and a multinational regime, such as the United Nations Command (UNC). South Korea has maintained a quasi-alliance with the UNC since the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. The level of trade-off between South Korea and the UNC, however, has been changing over time, particularly while being affected by the power growth of South Korea, a client, and the preference changes of the US, the most important actor of the UNC, a patron. This paper attempts to explain why South Korea is much more enthusiastic in seeking full sovereignty and more autonomy in the 2018–2019 détente era.


Author(s):  
Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu

This chapter examines India’s important contributions to U.N. peacekeeping. It discusses peacekeeping operations and their objectives, outlines the United Nations’ peacekeeping principles, and reviews the role India played in historical events such as The Korean War, United Nations Emergency Force, and United Nations Operation in Congo. The chapter argues that as India and Jawaharlal Nehru held no political or economic interest, only a strong vision for peace and a manifestation of One World, they adhered to and encouraged U.N. peacekeeping.


Author(s):  
Heike Wieters

Chapter 3 is a case study on CARE’s work in Korea during and after the Korean War. It traces CARE’s response to a presidential aid appeal in the United States, shows how American NGOs competed for donor dollars and media attention. In addition, it depicts the difficulties private humanitarian players encountered in a foreign setting involving a refugee crisis and a tight web of players with different stakes, meaning military players, Korean and United States government agencies, United Nations organizations as well as diverse foreign aid agencies.


1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (325) ◽  
pp. 589-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan J. Hardcastle ◽  
Adrian T. L. Chua

If recent estimates are to be believed, more than two million people may have died in the famine that engulfed North Korea in 1997 and 1998. In 1997, the United Nations estimated that 4.7 million North Koreans were in danger of starvation. In response, the international community pledged food aid. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies presented an expanded appeal for aid in June 1997. In January 1998, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched its biggest appeal, setting a target of 380 million US dollars in food aid, nearly double the amount requested for 1997. Yet, the international community has met resistance in attempting to assist North Koreans suffering from malnutrition and facing starvation.


1951 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman J. Padelford

The Korean war will no doubt long be regarded as the crucial test of the ability of the United Nations to meet armed aggression with international force. In view of the complexity of the events connected with the war, it may be useful to attempt a tentative appraisal of the United Nations' role up to the point of truce negotiations


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