North Korea Security & Geopolitics - Yangmo Ku | 2024 Episode 29

In this interview, Professor Yangmo Ku explores the complexities of North and South Korean relations, addressing issues such as North Korea’s nuclear threat, arms build-up, and shifting perceptions of South Korea. The discussion covers regional dynamics, including North Korea’s cooperation with Russia, ASEAN’s stance, and Japan-South Korea security cooperation. Professor Ku also examines the potential influence of global powers like China and Russia on North Korean policies and narratives.

Yangmo Ku is the Chair of the History & Political Science Department and an Associate Professor of Political Science at Norwich University, USA. He also serves as the Associate Director of the Peace & War Center at Norwich and as the Editor of the Journal of Peace and War Studies. Ku’s research focuses on North and South Korean politics, East Asian security, U.S. foreign policy, and the politics of memory and reconciliation in East Asia and Europe. His co-authored book, titled Politics in North and South Korea: Political Development, Economy, and Foreign Relations.

Content: (1) Impact of North Korea Severing Land Connections with South Korea; (2) North Korea’s Shift to Viewing South Korea as its “Primary Foe”; (3) Interest in North Korea Amongst South Korean Youth; (4) Role of the DMZ, Provocations, and the UN Command; (5) South Korea’s Response to North Korea’s Arms Build-up; (6) Impact of South Korea Acquiring Nuclear Weapons; (7) Cooperation Between North Korea and Russia; (8) South Korea’s Strategy for North Korea’s Nuclear Threat; (9) Implications of North Korean Nuclear Weapons for China; (10) ASEAN’s Position on the Korean Peninsula; (11) North and South Korean Perspectives on NATO’s Role in the Indo-Pacific; (12) Japan-South Korea Security Cooperation in Response to North Korea; (13) Key Influences on North Korean Leadership; (14) Can Putin or Xi Mitigate North Korea’s Aggressive Narratives and Policies?; and (15) Russia-China-North Korea Triangle: Future Security Outlook.

*** At 36:07, there is a two-second audio omission due to some unknown Internet issues. Professor Ku talks about the second option for South Korea, developing its own nuclear weapons.

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