Lecture of Opportunity | Troy Stangarone: North Korea-South Korea Relations
Channel: U.S. Naval War College
Date: 2015-02-25

Troy Stangarone, "North Korea-South Korea Relations," Lecture of Opportunity, Feb. 4, 2015.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the division of the Korean peninsula. After seven decades of separation, the two Korea’s are seemingly no closer to unifying or reaching a normalization of relations. North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile programs, and as the Sony hack demonstrates is increasingly engaging in cyber warfare to further its political objectives. However, North Korea also finds itself under increasing international pressure for its human rights violations and has seen its relations with China cool.

At the same time that North Korea finds itself under increasing pressure, the two Koreas have suggested that they may be open to greater dialogue, including a possible summit meeting. What are the prospects for engagement between the two Korea’s and what is the likelihood that they can achieve the unification bonanza that South Korean President Park Geun-hye has suggested is possible? What types of engagement do North and South Korea currently engage in, and what does this suggest for the level of success for future engagement? How does the increasing focus on North Korea’s human rights record affect relations, and what role do outside powers play?

*****
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the speaker's own and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or any other branch or agency of the U.S. Government.