The Irish Peace Process: Insights and Differences
In discussions of Korea’s possible reunification, observers often cite the German unification and integration process – but what about Ireland?
November 2015: Bookended by Military Operations, Talks Move Forward in Inter-Korean Relations
In November, both Koreas continued to demonstrate a willingness for inter-Korean contact while also maintaining a commitment to improve security. Military actions over the past few months have not scuttled opportunities for dialogue. Inter-Korean talks in November led to scheduling talks set for December 11 at the vice minister level.
North Korea: A State Sponsor of Terrorism?
On October 22, 2015, the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a subcommittee hearing on whether to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism
Five Issues Ban Ki-Moon Should Raise If He Goes to North Korea
There are five issues that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon should raise if he is able to visit North Korea.
U.S. Presidential Debates Enter Rhetorical Overdrive
What clues can we detect in the U.S. presidential debates thus far about how the candidates view foreign policy, international trade, and, more specifically, relations with the Republic of Korea?
October 2015: Building from Family Reunions While Tensions Remain in Inter-Korean Relations
With North Korea celebrating the anniversary of its Workers Party on October 10, there was also some initial concern that the event would be marked by a missile launch or nuclear test, which would damage the possibility of the family reunions scheduled for later in the month. No missile or nuclear test occurred, and both the parade for the anniversary and the family reunions took place.
Congress Wants to Up the Pressure on North Korean Human Rights Violators
Earlier this month, three U.S. senators took on North Korea (DPRK) by introducing a broad sanctions bill aimed at addressing concerns about cyberwarfare and the North’s continued nuclear ambitions.
How a Northeast Asian Development Bank Could Succeed
Still in the nascent stage of planning, a Northeast Asia Development Bank would serve as a multilateral development bank (MDB) to attract investment in Northeast Asia, specifically intending to incentivize the DPRK to denuclearize through access to external capital for development.
September 2015: Tough Rhetoric between Deal and Potential Meetings in Inter-Korean Relations
After the month of August featured shooting, shouting, and a negotiated joint statement, September mainly focused on laying the groundwork necessary to implement the August 25 agreement or to scuttle it.
T-ara, Titanic, and Taeyeon: Pop Culture and North Korea
A young defector summed the allure of pop culture to North Koreans best: “No matter how many people die, the sensational popularity doesn’t die…that is the power of culture.”