Academic Science Engagement with the DPRK

Sustained science engagement provides a valuable context for developing trust between individuals from countries with strong political differences. The trust-centric nature of collaborative science is especially relevant in engaging North Korea since, as with some other Northeast Asian countries, trust flows from the building of relationships. Dr. Stuart Thorson and Ms. Hyunjin Seo of Syracuse University argue that science engagement provides a useful context for developing the relationships ultimately required for more broad-gauged cooperation between the United States and North Korea. Join KEI as it welcomes Dr. Thorson and Ms. Seo to Washington to present their paper on this topic, followed by a discussion with the audience. The two will share their Syracuse/Kim Chaek University experience, as well as lessons learned regarding the role that scientific cooperation can play in greater confidence-building between the United States and DPRK.