William J. Taylor

William J. Taylor is an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and an international scholar with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A former army colonel, he has written numerous articles and books. In the following viewpoint, he argues that immediate reunification of North and South Korea is highly unlikely and probably ill advised. Many years of peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas and political changes— especially in North Korea—are necessary for reunification to realistically occur. The United States and other powers with interests in Korea should not push for reunification, Taylor concludes, but should instead pursue constructive engagement with North Korea.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What three fundamental realities must be addressed in any discussion of Korean reunification, according to...