Tools for Building Confidence on the Korean Peninsula

This report examines the potential role of confidence-building measures (CBMs) on the Korean Peninsula. The authors detail how CBMs may be seen as a useful test of the parties' sincerity and support their capacity for greater progress in peace on the peninsula once a peace process is seriously ushered in. The report states that a genuine peace and security evolution in Korea should have a strong confidence-building component based on reciprocity, predictability, openness and a sustainable follow-up mechanism.

This report is the result of an original research project, initiated and funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports. The report was finalized soon after an important international accord, the 13 February 2007 agreement, which at the time of writing is still filling observers with mixed feelings of hope and uncertainty. What has not changed and should not change is the responsibility of the international community in general—including research institutes and think tanks such as those who have worked on this project—to do everything possible both to help the key actors achieve progress, and to create conditions for a more lasting peace on the Korean peninsula and its neighbourhood. The core of this report, a 'toolbox' of possible confidence-building and confidence-enhancing measures tailored to local needs in and around the two Koreas, is offered with all due modesty as a contribution to that end.

More information can be found on the dedicated website: Tools for Building Confidence on the Korean Peninsula