Washington, D.C. has the highest concentration of North Korean studies in the English-speaking world. Between 2001 and 2020, 28 PhDs were awarded in North Korea from the seven surrounding universities. It is also home to a number of institutes and researchers whose focus is North Korea.

This semester, we are bringing together researchers and representatives of research organisations who have been studying North Korea for many years. We designed this series to hear their thoughts on North Korea, their strategies, and to get a sense of what's happening in North Korea research around Washington, D.C.

 

Overview

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1) 16 May 2023:

Diplomacy in the Land of No Good Options

Presenter:

Ken E. Gause (Director of Adversary Analytics, CNA Corporation)

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2) 13 June 2023

A 38 North Deep Dive: North Korea’s Approach to Science and Technology Development

Presenter:

Jenny Town (Director of Stimson’s 38 North Program)

 

Abstract:

As a hard target country, getting information about North Korea’s domestic affairs can be a daunting task. Over the past two years, 38 North conducted a deep dive study examining North Korea’s internal debates and scholarly discourse about economic policymaking. Late last year, we launched a new project seeking to gain insights into the country’s approach to science and technology. Studying these key domestic priorities can help enhance understanding of Pyongyang’s strategic priorities and direction and help uncover areas of potential future cooperation.

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3) 11 July 2023

Researching North Korea in Washington D.C

Presenter:

Yonho Kim (Associate Research Professor of Practice, Associate Director of George Washington Institute for Korean Studies, Washington D.C.)

 

Abstract:

In his presentation, Yonho Kim will discuss how research on North Korea is conducted in the Washington policy circle. As the US policy towards North Korea has been centered on the nuclear problem since the 1990s, research on North Korea by the Washington experts is heavily focused on military and diplomatic aspects of the US-North Korea relations. This creates both opportunities and challenges. Kim will also share his observation of how the debates on North Korea evolved among the North Korea watchers in the past decades.

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Moderator: Dr. Hojye Kang

Time & Venue:

Tuesday, May 16th 2023 - July 11th 2023

2:15 - 3:45 PM (CEST)

Webex (online)