TRINITY PROFESSOR LOOKS AT
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM A PRESIDENTIAL TRIP TO NORTH KOREA

November 2000 — After being locked in a Cold War struggle for 50 years, the leaders of both North and South Korea finally met this year to talk about their uneasy truce.  And now there is talk President Clinton could make a trip to meet with Kim Jong Il, the leader of the communist stronghold.  So who stands to benefit from a trip by an American president to North Korea? Donald Clark, history professor and director of Trinity’s International Studies Program, says all sides have something to gain. “In North Korea, a presidential visit will be seen as an affirmation of the wisdom of the leadership of the Korean Workers Party,” he says. Such a message would not harm relations with either America or South Korea, Professor Clark says, adding that it would help Kim Jong Il consolidate his power over North Koreans and thus, provide stability at a time when his country is facing economic hardship. For South Korea, the visit would signal approval of that country’s Sunshine Policy, a series of initiatives recognizing North Korea’s right to exist and fostering economic ties between the two countries. The policy was put in place by South Korean President Kim Dae Jung when he took office two years ago and is supported by South Korean business leaders. “The policy could lead to South Korea gaining access to the rich mineral resources of North Korea,” Professor Clark says. For the United States, a presidential visit would mean moving a step closer to a peaceful resolution of the Korean conflict. Professor Clark believes the U.S. can help build up the stakes for both sides to cooperate with each other. “Plus, it would definitely help Clinton’s legacy to be the first president to visit north Korea,” he says. To speak to Professor Clark on North and South Korea, contact: Russell Guerrero at (210) 999-8406 or e-mail: Rguerrer@trinity.edu.

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Last updated on November 6, 2000 by the Office of Public Relations