Digital Transformation in the Implementation of the UN Charter: A Case Study of Joint Military Exercises to Reduce Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

¹ Lektor, Hukum Internasional, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Fakultas Hukum, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: yordangunawan@umy.ac.id

Abstract

Freedom Shield 23 is a bilateral joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, conducted from March 13 to March 23, 2023. The exercise aims to strengthen the defense system against the increasing nuclear threat from North Korea. This normative legal research adopts an international legal perspective, relying on literature reviews to systematically and logically analyse the data using analytical descriptive methods. South Korea, while seeking to avoid military conflict with North Korea, has responded to ongoing nuclear provocations by engaging in military cooperation with the United States through Freedom Shield 23 as a peaceful deterrence effort. This exercise aligns with the objectives of the United Nations, particularly Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the UN Charter. Freedom Shield 23 is characterized by computer-simulated command post training, incorporating blockchain and AI technology to address the challenges of digitalization. The digital transformation facilitated by this exercise enhances the readiness and synchronization of South Korean and U.S. troops, thereby strengthening defense and supporting the UN’s goals of maintaining regional security and stability on the Korean Peninsula.