Closure for Cold War 1.0’s Last Battle

  Closure for Cold War 1.0’s Last Battle

Democracy’s Next Evolution in Northeast Asia

            [Screen capture from KCNA video]

        The time is right for a new era of global engagement. Advancing the story of democracy and opportunities for a free society should not rest entirely on the shoulders’ of the Soldier or the Diplomat. Rather, all citizens blessed with the opportunity to prosper under the protections of democracy should vigorously engage the oppressive regimes of the world. Though I’m focused on the serpents in my backyard, the evils of oppressive regimes exist all over the world. I’m reminded by an article today of how precious the time is we have to make a difference. The families of the generation that fought in the Korean War are dying off. Soon there will be no voices remaining that know their cousins and bloodline across the DMZ. It’s time to once again reignite the fire of democracy to provide a beacon of hope.

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of reflection in light of recent events in Northeast Asia. Memorial Day (Both ROK and US) , the US Army Birthday Holiday, and the upcoming summer transition cycle challenged my perspectives on the concept of time and purpose. Sometimes we live in a world where things are reviewed within the context of the now, the instant satisfaction culture that fails to view world events and their impact across history. Why did KJU attempt to launch a satellite during a time that the country’s population suffers starvation? Who thought it was best for DPRK to assume a leadership role in the World Health Organization? Then there’s the Chinese Communist Party’s Wolf Diplomacy at work in the region to discredit our Allies and Partners.  Combine all of these factors with the personal practice of Jesuit Examen, and a narrative begins to form that can set the world on fire and reignite the values of democracy. My personal examen led to several insights.  

For those of us stationed in South Korea, we are at the frontlines of the last battle of Cold War 1.0.  The  Korean War is in Armistice. An Armistice a formal agreement between two countries or groups at war to stop fighting for a particular time, especially to talk about possible peace. In essence, we are still at war from 70 years in our past that has evolved into a modern Information Age geopolitical conflict. 

     Democracy is challenged everyday by both internal and external factors. KJU’s mafia like regime and Xi’s Chinese Communist Party challenge international norms in the region. But, if we look back at the past 70 plus years, the concepts of democracy and capitalism grew in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan while the U.S. provided stability through presence and extended deterrence via the nuclear umbrella to the region.  This has provided not only the economic growth of Northeast Asian countries, but the development of science and technology that is shaping the next generation of advancements. 

However, this battle  requires more than military prowess or diplomatic engagements in the global commons. It requires individual commitment. The past three weeks of personal reflection challenged me to my core principles.  Why do I still love being in the Army after 30 plus years? What motivates me everyday to get up and fight even though I could retire? Four and a half years in combat, two years in unaccompanied operational assignments, and eight years stationed overseas add up to over half of my career away from immediate and extended family. What costs am I willing to pay to continue this fight?

The examen led me to my initial decision to start this journey in 1992. I joined and continue to fight and lead for one reason - the belief in the Constitution, democracy,  and the opportunities it can provide to those who want a better life. To advance democracy and provide opportunities to the repressed regimes of DPRK and China, we need to encourage active global engagement. While government activities may advance democratic principles in the region, we need to encourage the citizens of all like minded nations to engage and challenge the oppressive regimes of KJU and Xi.