korean unification studies

The US and DPRK are due to meet in Geneva, towards the end of the month for talks on implementing a component of the Six Party Talks, namely, the normalization of diplomatic relations between the US and DPRK.

Diplomatic normalization is a double edged sword, for the DPRK.  It could be paraded as a victory, but in reality, it potentially opens a flow of information into DPRK society that is inimical to the regime’s efforts to control the population. Normalization would potentially allow the DPRK to obtain aid from international financial institutions and to ultimately trade with US companies. Such diplomatic and commercial ties require an enormous amount of openess and interaction that is unrivalled in the DPRK’s history since the late 1970s.

In the United States, any administration that allows for diplomatic normalization would inevitably be accused of weakness. But the political price would in the end result in a much greater level of influence, and would allow the US much greater influence. After all, playing ball in international and commercial diplomacy is where the US with its seemingly endless resources has a distinct advantage.

Should normalization occur? Most importantly, what effect will it have on unification efforts???