Washington Report, 2007-09

Abstract

Earlier this year, there appeared to be a breakthrough in the arduous Six Party Talks when North Korea agreed to a two-phase action plan that would culminate in its disabling all nuclear facilities. About six weeks later, the United States and South Korea concluded a landmark free trade agreement. And in early August, Seoul and Pyongyang announced the resumption of talks aimed at rapprochement. Are peace, prosperity, and improved U.S. relations with both Koreas within reach? The dynamics on the Korean Peninsula make it all but impossible to answer this question with a simple yes or no. Charles J. (Jack) Pritchard, who served as ambassador and special enjoy for negotiations with North Korea from April 2001 to September 2003, examines the political, economic, and strategic issues that will continue to challenge Washington in its dealings with Seoul and Pyongyang in the weeks and months ahead. Washington Report is a bimonthly newsletter that provides an "inside-the-Beltway" perspective on developments in U.S.-Asia Pacific relations. The centerpiece of the report is an interview with a leading authority on an economic, political, and/or strategic issues of importance to transpacific relations.