The Korea Society

Rumbles of Thunder and Endangered Peace on the Korean Peninsula

Jan 31, 2024

Discussions on heightened tensions in Korea from recent events, potential conflict risks, talks on Seoul's nuclear deterrent, and suggestions for de-escalation and diplomacy. Expert insights on Korean Peninsula affairs, evolving relationships with China and Russia, and strategies for peace-building. Analysis on North Korea's weapons program, accidental military clashes, and U.S. role in controlling escalation. Exploring China's foreign policy, potential conflicts in East Asia, and diplomatic relations with North Korea.

01:15:24

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Episode guests

Moon Chung-In

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Quick takeaways

Tensions have escalated on the Korean Peninsula due to North Korea's military advancements and South Korea's responses, increasing the risk of conflict.

Diplomacy efforts with North Korea face challenges, emphasizing the importance of negotiations to reduce tensions and prevent escalations.

Strategic responses and risk management are crucial to address potential escalations from North Korea, focusing on military resilience and countering external influences.

Deep dives

Concerns Over Escalation in Korean Peninsula

Tensions in the Korean Peninsula have risen, with recent developments like North Korea's announcement to stop pursuing reunification with South Korea and advancements in their nuclear program. The podcast discusses the risks of accidental military clashes due to conditional statements from both sides, highlighting the rationality of leaders in North and South Korea to avoid preemptive war. The concern lies in potential accidental military crises along the West Sea and the demilitarized zone, where any escalation could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Introduction

3min

Discussion Setup on Key Korean Peninsula Issues and Acknowledgment of Support

2min

Diverse Expertise on Korean Peninsula Affairs

2min

Escalating Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

34min

Analyzing the Evolving Relationships of North Korea with China and Russia

4min

Peace-building and Diplomacy for Korean Peninsula Peace

8min

China's Foreign Policy and Potential Conflicts in East Asia

18min

Exploring North Korea Relations and Strategic Responses

4min

January 31, 2024 - Recent events have heightened military tensions on the Korean Peninsula—North Korea’s successful launch of a military satellite resulting in Seoul’s decision to partially suspend the inter-Korean Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), and followed by Pyongyang’s deployment of additional forces near its border with South Korea—increasing the chances of conflict on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea's advancements in its nuclear weapons and missile programs, coupled with the diminishing enforcement of sanctions and renewed support from Russia, have sparked debates among the South Korean public and security experts about the possibility of Seoul pursuing an indigenous nuclear deterrent. Join us for a program co-hosted by The Korea Society and the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) on the future of Korean Peninsula security and suggestions for de-escalation and preventive diplomacy, featuring Professor Moon Chung-In, James Laney Professor at Yonsei University and Vice Chair for the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament. Following Professor Moon’s initial remarks, he will be joined by NCAFP director for Asia Susan A. Thornton and Director of the new Indo-Pacific Security Initiative of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Markus Garlauskas for a conversation moderated by Korea Society president & CEO Tom Byrne.

For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1764-rumbles-of-thunder-and-endangered-peace-on-the-korean-peninsula