Cana Kim (Louisiana State University), “The Failed Reconciliation between North Korea and Japan”

U.S. EDT: July 15 (Thu), 9 – 10 AM

JST: July 15 (Thu), 10 – 11 PM

NOTE: Registration required! Link.

Abstract:

This study aims to explore the crossover between interstate reconciliation and negotiation by tracing 15 years of normalization efforts between Japan and North Korea. The existing theories of interstate negotiation cannot explain the entire process and outcomes of Japan-DPRK normalization talks in a unified framework. Instead, I situate the negotiation within the subtext of the reconciliation process, of which the primary condition is to eradicate the existing threat perception between former adversaries. To assess this argument, I draw seven hypotheses regarding the effect of threat perceptions on negotiation strategies and outcomes, based on the theory of remembrance. Findings revealed that, under the context of reconciliation, the two countries added issues related to their own threat perception and employed hard-bargaining strategies on the threat perception issues. Furthermore, an apologetic remembrance could not function as a meaningful signal when it contradicted other signals or the previous stance on the issue.

Paper is available here.

Presenter: Cana Kim (Louisiana State University).

Discussants: Thomas Berger (Boston University), Yinan He (Lehigh University).

Chair: Yusaku Horiuchi (Dartmouth College).