Inter-Korean Relations in Historical Context
Three months after signing a six-point inter-Korean communique on August 25th that called for talks “at an early date,” South and North Korea are poised to resume high-level discussions on December 11th. The talks, which will be held between vice-minister level officials from each side at the jointly-operated Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea, come on the heels of a recent round of family reunions. While these recent developments are indications that Seoul and Pyongyang are working toward a thaw in relations, the two Koreas have made similar headway before, only for relations to slip back into tension. Helping to frame the upcoming talks and provide some broader historical context to the turbulent inter-Korean relationship over the decades is Jongdae Shin, Professor of political science at the University of North Korean Studies, Seukryule Hong, Professor of history at Sungshin Women’s University, Narushige Michishita, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), and James Person, historian and Coordinator of the Wilson Center’s Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy.
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North Korea International Documentation Project
The North Korea International Documentation Project serves as an informational clearinghouse on North Korea for the scholarly and policymaking communities, disseminating documents on the DPRK from its former communist allies that provide valuable insight into the actions and nature of the North Korean state. Read more
History and Public Policy Program
A leader in making key foreign policy records accessible and fostering informed scholarship, analysis, and discussion on international affairs, past and present. Read more
Cold War International History Project
The Cold War International History Project supports the full and prompt release of historical materials by governments on all sides of the Cold War. Read more
Indo-Pacific Program
The Indo-Pacific Program promotes policy debate and intellectual discussions on US interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as political, economic, security, and social issues relating to the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region. Read more
Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy
The Center for Korean History and Public Policy was established in 2015 with the generous support of the Hyundai Motor Company and the Korea Foundation to provide a coherent, long-term platform for improving historical understanding of Korea and informing the public policy debate on the Korean peninsula in the United States and beyond. Read more