Kim, a Korean by birth, examines the task of nation-building in Korea under an ineffectual thirteen-year civil rule followed by a modern military establishment. The baffling ambivalence of the military in politics—expressed by the overthrow of the legitimate government in defense of democracy—is given serious study in this book.Originally published 1971.A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.