The Modernisation of the Republic of Korea Navy, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2019
Seapower, Strategy and Politics
Critical Studies of the Asia-Pacific Series

This book sheds light on one of the most under-studied but powerful navies in the world. Using a multifaceted approach, it examines how the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has sought to transform itself from a coastal naval force focused solely on deterring North Korea to a navy capable of operating in the blue waters of East Asia and beyond. The project argues that peninsular and regional security dynamics, technological developments, the US-South Korea alliance and internal politics combine to inform and shape ROKN modernisation.  

Ian Bowers is Associate Professor at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies, Oslo, Norway.

Makes an important contribution to the literatures on East Asian naval modernisation, the Korean Peninsula and South Korean security policy Examines how the Republic of Korea Navy is developing a strategy to respond to changes in North Korea’s threat profile while also managing the potential threat posed by China and great power competition in East Asia Provides unique insights in to the maritime dimension of the US-South Korea alliance