While North Korea is frequently described as being unknowable, unpredictable, and irrational, Dr. James Person argues that analysts have sufficient historical data to understand the long-term strategic interests and forces that shape the foreign and domestic policies of the secretive regime. The diplomatic record of North Korea’s former and current communist allies sheds light on key developments and patterns in North Korean history, permitting analysts to challenge the conventional wisdom that influences our understanding of the regime and its intentions. Through these historical materials, analysts can illuminate current challenges and more accurately interpret contemporary developments. Dr. Person will discuss how a poor understanding of North Korea’s views on relations with China has limited the effectiveness of U.S. policy toward North Korea, and what we need to understand about the Sino-North Korean relationship to craft more informed policies for dealing with Pyongyang today.
Register here: https://JamesPerson.eventbrite.com
Speaker
Dr. James Person, Professor of Korean Studies