State Security and Regime Security President Syngman Rhee and the Insecurity Dilemma in South Korea, 1953-60

This volume examines the interaction between state security and regime security in South Korea in the period 1953-60 under the leadership of President Syngman Rhee. The author shows that the march North was a manifestation of Rhee's concern for both state and regime security and that Rhee's aggressive anti-Communist policy contributed to the promotion of security in South Korea. As he declined in popularity, however, Rhee's concern for the survival of the regime increased and he used the prevailing anti-Communist feeling to enhance his legitimacy. However, his tactics could ensure neither regime security nor the security of South Korea.