Beschreibung
Given the imbalance of relatively dense relations (by North Korean
standards for relations with the Western world) and relative underexposure
of these relations in the media and in academic discussions the aim of
this book is to review the many facets of European – North Korean
relations. And indeed, the relations between Europe and North Korea have
many facets, including exchanges based on humanitarian, political and
business grounds and relations focusing on human rights, capacity-building
and education as well as trust-building and cultural exchanges. The two
nuclear tests of 2006 and 2009 as well as the hardened North Korean stance
throughout 2008 to 2010 were not foreboding well for improved relations
with Europe. However, the history of North Korea has been one where the
invariable and the unpredictable always have been in a curious
relationship. We hope, this volume can stimulate academic discussion but
also exchange activities between Europe and North Korea and help to make
relations, cumbersome as they are under the strains of North Korea’s
political and economic system and nuclear ambitions, a success story.
