When is the Right Moment for an End of War Declaration?

It is a common refrain among commentators to remind the general public that the Korean War is not yet truly over. Indeed, what was signed in Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, was an armistice agreement that ensured the “cessation of hostilities” but promised a later “final peaceful settlement.” Nearly 70 years later, that settlement has yet to happen. Amid this legal limbo, the incumbent South Korean administration has proposed declaring a formal end to the war to dramatically reduce tensions and jumpstart discussions on inter-Korean cooperation. However, many observers raise doubts on whether such a gesture would really lead to Pyongyang adopting a less provocative posture.

To discuss what an end of war declaration would mean for the peninsula and the region, KEI is hosting Jessica Lee and Markus Garlauskas for a discussion on the theories underlying the proposal and its prospective ramifications.

The event will be livestreamed via Zoom and on KEI’s YouTube channel. RSVP to receive the links to both.

Please send any questions for the panels to Yong Kwon at yk@keia.org by Monday, July 26, 2021.