Recognition of Estranged Other : A Theoretical Reflection on Politics of Identity and Systems Integration in Inter-Korean Relations :A Theoretical Reflection on Politics of Identity and Systems Integration in Inter-Korean Relations

Gibung Kwon

doi:10.14731/kjis.2010.06.50.3.137

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A Theoretical Reflection on Politics of Identity and Systems Integration in Inter-Korean Relations

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한국국제정치학회
국제정치논총 학술저널
The Korean Journal of International Relations Vol.50 No.3
2010.6 137 - 164 (28page)
DOI : 10.14731/kjis.2010.06.50.3.137

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Gibung Kwon (경희대학교)

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The recent resurgence of recognition in the context of identity politics and multiculturalism deserves a careful theoretical examination. While it is thought that it has relevance to those areas of research that deal with the issues of integrating and embracing minorities and foreigners, it is argued that the dialectic of estrangement and recognition is even applicable to the case of estranged others like divided nations. When properly conceptualized in terms of social systems, it throws an important theoretical light on the practical issues lying ahead when the divided nations are integrated. From the theoretical perspective of systems integration and identity politics, this article argues that in order to overcome estrangement without resorting to violence and war, the estranged countries must first acknowledge the existence of the other and learn to live side-by-side. They must engage in common works that could induce their dialogue and interactions. Then both countries should strive to find common rules to abide by. Under the same rules of existence, they should allow each to recognize and respect the other so that the unique identity of each is not obliterated or merged with the other. These steps of genuine recognition between countries should happen not just at the level of political entities, but at all levels from individuals to associational activities and to economic and social interactions. Only then can two estranged others be united into one and form a single identity, while each maintains the rights to choose its own form of existence.

#North-South Korea relations #estrangement #identity politics #system integration

ABSTRACT
Ⅰ. Introduction
Ⅱ. Intersocietal Estrangement in Marxian Historical Materialism
Ⅲ. Estrangement in the Struggle for Recognition
Ⅳ. Systems Integration and Recognition qua Identity Politics in Inter-Korean Relations
Ⅴ. Conclusion: Overcoming Estrangement for Unity in Diversity
REFERENCES