New Books Network Yong-Shik Lee, "Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia" (Anthem Press, 2023)
Oct 22, 2025
Yong-Shik Lee, a Professor and author specializing in East Asian political economy, offers a compelling analysis of sustainable peace in Northeast Asia. He discusses the necessity for collective defense amidst U.S.-China rivalry, exploring how nationalism and historical grievances hinder reconciliation, particularly between Korea and Japan. Lee critiques China's coercive trade tactics and stresses the importance of China’s participation in regional stability. He envisions a cooperative framework that involves economic and military integration while also emphasizing Mongolia's unique potential as a democratic model.
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Confrontational Balance Needs Institutional Fix
- Northeast Asia currently exists as a "confrontational balance" between two opposing blocs led by the U.S. and China.
- Yong-Shik Lee argues institutional frameworks are necessary to overcome this confrontation and sustain peace.
Juche Turns Nukes Into Regime Identity
- North Korea treats nuclear weapons partly as ideological symbols tied to Juche self-reliance as well as regime survival tools.
- Lee argues the security logic is weak but the ideological value makes denuclearization politically difficult.
Centralization Has Eroded Chinese Flexibility
- Xi's centralization reduced CCP adaptability and increased rigidity, risking adverse long-term effects for China.
- Lee recommends restoring collective decision-making and judicial independence to improve outcomes.
