| Abstract: | A well-known concept puts much hope on a desired gradual and reconciliatory unification of Korea. It disregards, however, that the base of unification lies in unity at the interconnected levels of the nation and of the state system, which would therefore require a systemic conversion in North Korea. This, however, cannot be achieved through evolutionary changes. Several internal reasons speak for a longer continuation of the Democratic People s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Because the contrasting state systems of the Koreas are not reconcilable, they should decide for rapprochement through normalised interstate relations until a chance for a democratic get-together dawns.(Retired professor and former GDR ambassador to North Korea) |
