International journal of Military Affairs

About the Journal

Many countries play a foundational role in pursuing international peace and stability by establishing defense strategies in consideration of their security and international relations, and by analyzing and evaluating military capabilities and strategies. It also influences the formation of cooperation and military alliances.

Therefore military affairs journal an important role in considering the future and alternatives of mankind and seek and studies strategies to respond to modern challenges such as emerging threats It contributes to finding a positive direction for international security and human prosperity.

Also, Military affairs provide essential knowledge and tools for national security and international stability and have important implications for the safety and prosperity of mankind in various aspects, such as defense strategy, military power and strategic analysis, technology and innovation, and the future.

So, Researching military affairs also affects the development of technology and innovation, and military demands and challenges are the ones that promote and develop technology and innovation. for example, military affairs contribute to improving military capability and effectiveness by developing new weapon systems, strategies and tactics, training, and military technology.

This journal considers the historical fact that military affairs is a discipline with a theoretical, as the new Cold War system, United States and China security environment in Asia is becoming increasingly complex and acute, this analyzes pending issues and suggests directions. Also sheds light on the perspectives of Asian researchers on international military issues.

Detail with a we recommend that potential authors review recent issues to determine whether their paper is appropriate to the journal.

Aims & Scope

• Improvement Directions for Military Structure Reform Policy of the Lee Jae-Myung Administration

  Purpose: This article comprehensively diagnoses the changes in the defense environment confronting the Lee Jae-myung administration and proposes specific directions for a future-oriented military structure reform policy that should be pursued within its term. Method: This qualitative and empirical study involved comprehensively analyzing and evaluating the changes in the defense environment facing the Lee Jae-myung administration by reviewing relevant prior research, laws, directives, and press releases, and then specifically presenting the direction of military structure reform policy that should be pursued within its term. Results: The Administration's military structure reform policy can only achieve substantial enhancement of combat power and prepare for future warfare if three core reform tasks – optimization of military structure, transition of the Army's border surveillance mission, and rapid operationalization of Manned-Unmanned Team (MUM-T) systems – are pursued simultaneously as an integrated policy package. Conclusion: This study proposed specific and implementable policy directions for future-oriented military structure reform to be pursued within the administration's term. Further research is needed to address additional military structure reform tasks, such as the transition of wartime operational control, arising from changes in the defense environment and not covered in this article.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Defense Reform, Military Structure, Standing Military Strength, MUM-T, Future Warfare
  Abstract PDF Links
• A Scenario for South Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Development Rooted between the ROK-US Alliance and Independent National Defense: The Prologue Begins with an Assassination

  Purpose: This study assumes that a series of events—including the North Korean regime's continued nuclear weapons development amidst uncertainty, the strengthening of Russian-North Korean military cooperation fol-lowing the Russo-Ukrainian War, US President Trump's approval of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines (NSS) around the Gyeongju APEC Summit, and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's suggestion of military intervention in the event of a Taiwanese emergency—are all unfolding within the macroeconomic framework of US-China strategic competition. These shifting international political dynamics are rapidly destabilizing the security environment in Northeast Asia, highlighting the possibility of all-out war and the resurgence of past assassinations as real threats. By analyzing key assassination incidents in Northeast Asia, this study aims to reexamine the current security crisis within its historical and structural context and to forecast the future security order in Northeast Asia amidst the US-China conflict. Method: This study is an English-language extension of a paper published in Korean. Based on the political background of terrorism and assassination cases that occurred in Korea in the original Korean paper, it addition-ally discussed the scenario of Korea's nuclear development. Results: Terrorism tends to be perceived as a struggle against an enemy nation and enjoys public support. Therefore, assassination terrorism follows the following process: ➀ It begins with the psychological motivation that the target of the assassination is responsible for a certain situation, and ➁ If the target is eliminated, ➂ the situation will no longer exist. ➃ Once this motivation is confirmed, the process of carrying out the assassination mission is put into action. Conclusion: This study analyzed assassination cases against the political backdrop of Northeast Asia and developed the relationship between security failures and national security. ➀ Domestic political turmoil and foreign policy failures lead to the assassination of national leaders. ➁ Such assassinations are attempted with the intention of regime change. ➂ Such assassinations can escalate into all-out war. ➃ War breaks out when the balance of military power in neighboring countries is disrupted, and assassination attempts occur before such events.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:ROK-US Alliance, Self-Reliant National Defense, Asymmetric Power, South Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development, Assassination
  Abstract PDF Links
• AI-Driven Transformation of Military Education and Training: A Comparative SWOT Analysis for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces

  Purpose: This study aims to analyze how artificial intelligence (AI)–driven technologies are transforming military education and training systems, with a particular focus on strategic implications for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces. As AI, virtual simulation, and data analytics reshape modern warfare and command decision-making, understanding their integration into professional military education has become essential for future readiness. Method: Using a comparative case study and SWOT analytical framework, this paper examines AI-based education and training innovations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, France, and Japan. Data were collected from official defense reports, academic literature, and institutional documents to identify each nation’s approaches to AI integration in military learning. The analysis evaluates the ROK military’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in adopting AI-centered education systems. Results: The comparative analysis revealed several significant patterns in how leading militaries are integrating AI into their education and training frameworks. First, technological integration and cognitive learning convergence emerged as a global trend. The United States and the United Kingdom employ AI-enabled simulations and adaptive learning systems that provide personalized training feedback. Israel’s Defense Forces demonstrated real-time combat learning through automated data analysis, enhancing decision-making accuracy during mission rehearsal exercises. France and NATO have expanded AI-assisted wargaming for strategic and ethical decision training, showing that artificial intelligence is being used not only for operational efficiency but also for cultivating strategic judgment. Second, the ROK Armed Forces exhibit strong foundational readiness for AI-based transformation. Korea’s advanced ICT infrastructure, high data literacy within the defense industry, and disciplined training culture serve as major strengths. However, several critical weaknesses were identified: insufficient AI literacy among instructors, limited cross-branch data integration, and the absence of a unified defense learning framework. These factors hinder the scalability and coherence of AI-based training initiatives. Third, emerging opportunities include expanding international cooperation with the United States, NATO, and other AI defense clusters. The Korean National Defense AI Strategy (2024–2030) provides policy momentum to institutionalize AI education and simulation systems. Yet threats remain—especially overreliance on technology, ethical dilemmas in AI decision support, and data security vulnerabilities. Overall, the results underscore that Korea’s transition to AI-driven military learning requires not just technological acquisition but a holistic transformation linking pedagogy, leadership, and human–machine teaming principles. Conclusion: The study concludes that the Republic of Korea Armed Forces stand at a strategic crossroads in the evolution of military education and training. While existing infrastructures provide a solid base, the full potential of AI integration can only be realized through comprehensive reform of institutional design, curriculum philosophy, and interservice coordination. The future of effective military learning lies in harmonizing human cognitive adaptability with algorithmic precision. To achieve this transformation, three strategic initiatives are recommended: 1. Establish an AI-Integrated Joint Training Command to unify data resources, coordinate doctrine, and manage simulation ecosystems. 2. Develop the Korean Defense Learning Model (K-DLM) that combines AI analytics, experiential learning, and ethical leadership education. 3. Implement AI Literacy and Leadership Programs to cultivate officers capable of interpreting and supervising AI-generated insights responsibly. By adopting these measures, the ROK military can evolve into a smart defense force that lever-ages artificial intelligence not as a substitute for human judgment, but as an amplifier of critical thinking, adaptability, and mission success. Future research should expand this framework through empirical case studies, simulation-based evaluations, and cross-national policy bench-marking to further validate the effectiveness of AI-enhanced military education.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Artificial Intelligence, Military Education, Simulation Training, ROK Armed Forces, SWOT Analysis
  Abstract PDF Links
• Generation Z’s Perception of the Stress of Beginner Executives Factor Analysis and Support Expansion Plan

  Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to analyze major stress factors that should be supplemented in order for Generation Z to expand their support as beginner executives, and based on this, consider measures that the Korean military should supplement. Method: The main research analysis targets and research methods were limited to Gen Z's unenrolled college students nationwide, so a survey and SPSS analysis were used for unenrolled college students in Gangwon-do, which is a military unit concentrated area and a border area. Results: Based on the analysis of major stress factors, in this article is to derive the following measures to improve the Korean military to expand support for beginner executives for Generation Z. First, it is the most important to increase the remuneration of beginner executives. Generation Z judged that beginner executives were paid less than other government and social organizations with the same working conditions. Second, it is considered an important value for military organizations to ensure growth conditions and prepare for the creation of beginner executives. Third, preventive measures should be guaranteed for command measures that are out of the regulations of the commander. Fourth, measures to reduce the responsibilities and obligations of beginner executives must be steadily sought. Conclusion: There has been no significant difference from the stressors and improvement measures of beginner executives that have been raised in our military, but it has become clear that it is urgent to supplement the system and come up with measures to revitalize the support of beginner executives of Generation Z and make them a rewarding service. The government should focus on improving and supplementing the working and work environment of beginner executives in order to foster strong national security and strong military development in the era of ultra-low fertility, and to build an early AI-based complex system.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Generation Z, Analysis of Stressors, Improvement of Service Conditions for Beginner Executives, Realization of Conservatives, Development of Strong Forces
  Abstract PDF Links
• International Legal Discussions and Trends on Autonomous Weapon Systems

  Purpose: This study aims to examine the international legal discussions surrounding AI-based autonomous weapon systems. By doing so, it seeks to review the regulations and control measures of the international community regarding the development and deployment of AWS and explore ways to ensure the military utility, ethical, and legal justification of AWS development for our military. Method: This study aims to review the trends and discussions of the international community and to confirm the principles of international humanitarian law and autonomous weapons based on this. The research method is to review the existing research literature, prior research, and existing discussion studies of international conferences, and based on this, to derive the direction the international community should take. Results: International discussions, including those by the United Nations, have focused on the compliance and applicability of international law and international humanitarian law (IHL) principles to autonomous weapon systems. Issues discussed include Martens Clause, the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, and principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under IHL. Autonomous weapon systems must be designed and manufactured to comply with the principle of distinction, and processes enabling human intervention to immediately halt operations in case of violations should be established. Conclusion: It is anticipated that more precise and IHL-compliant autonomous weapon systems will be developed in the future. Article 36 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions stipulates the legal obligation of contracting parties to review the research, development, and use of new weapons, means, and methods of warfare to prevent excessive injury and unnecessary suffering.

  2024.08.31

  Keyword:Autonomous Lethal Weapon Systems, Artificial Intelligence, International Humanitarian Law, Military Operations, Future Warfare
  Abstract PDF Links

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