Story Ideas from the Office of Public Relations

Trinity History Professor Explains Why U.S. Must Talk
to North Korea

What a difference a few years makes.  In November 2000, after visiting with then- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il promised to halt his country’s missile program. But in March 2003, North Korean fighter jets tailed a U.S. spy plane and President Bush ordered bombers to be stationed within striking distance of North Korea. Although the crisis has reached a perilous stage, Donald Clark, history professor and Korean expert at Trinity, says the situation can be defused if the U.S. agrees to talks with North Korea.

According to Professor Clark, North Korea feels as though its survival is at stake because:

  • They see the American military alliance with South Korea and Japan as a direct threat to their existence.
  • They are suffering greatly from a 50-year-old economic embargo.

Professor Clark believes we could avert a military conflict with North Korea if we:

  • Talk to North Korea and establish some type of relationship.
  • Offer a package of food, energy, and economic assistance to North Korea.

Professor Clark knows a diplomatic solution will not be easy, but he says the alternative to talks could end with tragic results: Seoul, South Korea, home to 15 million people, is only 25 miles from the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two countries.

To speak to Professor Clark, contact Russell Guerrero at (210) 999-8406 or
e-mail russell.guerrero@trinity.edu.

Other Trinity Experts

Other professors at Trinity University who can discuss related issues are:

  • David Crockett, assistant professor of political science and a presidency expert, who can provide context for some of President Bush’s strategies and decisions.
  • Harry Haines, associate professor of communication and a Vietnam War veteran, who can talk about how the media covers war and conflict.
  • David Lesch, associate professor of history, who is an expert on the Persian Gulf and a range of Middle East issues. 

To speak with any of these experts, contact Susie P. Gonzalez or Russell Guerrero
at (210) 999-8406.

 
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Last updated on March 14, 2003
by the Office of Public Relations