Kim Jong Un’s recent statements about South Korea and unification have once again raised questions about North Korea’s foreign and South Korea policies and their ultimate goal. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the forging of China-North Korea diplomatic ties, and Putin is expected to make a reciprocal visit to Pyongyang in the coming months, giving Kim ample opportunity to further strengthen ties with Beijing and Moscow. Adding to the complexity are what appear to be mixed signals from North Korea as it seems to shift attention away from national defense to the economy. Where is North Korea headed with key players in the region, and will the outcome of the US presidential election affect Pyongyang’s calculations?
Featured Speakers
Rachel Minyoung Lee, Senior Fellow, 38 North
Rachel Minyoung Lee is a Senior Fellow with the 38 North Program at the Stimson Center. Lee was a North Korea collection expert and analyst with Open Source Enterprise (OSE; formerly known as Open Source Center) in the US government from 2000 to 2019.
Robert Carlin, Nonresident Fellow, 38 North
Robert Carlin has been following North Korea since 1974 from both in and out of government. In those forty plus years, he has taken part in countless hours of negotiations and unofficial discussions with DPRK officials.
Moderator
Natalia Slavney, Research Analyst and Assistant Editor, 38 North
Slavney’s research experience and interests include humanitarianism and aid, international law, human rights, inter-Korean relations, US-DPRK relations, digital surveillance technology and information controls in North Korea, and the North Korean economy.
