When considering the relations of Europe and Russia with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), we are faced with a wide range of nations and perspectives: the NATO nations, many of which were part of the UN alliance in the Korean war; the non-NATO European nations, neutral nations such as Switzerland, Austria and Sweden; and then the CIS nations, primarily Russia, which were supporting the DPRK.
On the one hand, security on the peninsula has become a more direct concern for European nations as they are now within range of ICBMs from the DPRK; on the other hand, Europe’s very distance from Korea means that tensions on the peninsula are a less immediate danger. However, their close relationships with the US, as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea, do mean that European nations are involved. Russia, which can provide a deeper insight into the DPRK perspective, also has its own interests in the future of the peninsula.
Panelists will discuss policies, interests, and desired outcomes of the primary stakeholders and offer recommendations for steps that can be taken toward a peaceful resolution of the Korean conflict.
