Featured Post from University of Connecticut

Definitely …Maybe? Donald Trump’s planned sit-down with Kim Jun Un

May 24, 2018

2 min

Alexis Dudden, Ph.D.

It was diplomacy that was almost out of a movie. Two bitter leaders, both unpredictable and avowed enemies who seemed on the brink of war … until suddenly they are friends, complimenting each other and arranging a meeting of historic proportions.


There was even talk of a Nobel Prize. It seemed too good to be true.

And now the world is back to reality.

The surprisingly insta-warm relationship between American and North Korea seems to have once again chilled. And now it’s a battle of statements over who has upset who and why.

According to North Korean media, Choe Son Hui, a vice-minister in the North Korean Foreign Ministry, said the summit is being reconsidered. And annihilation may follow.

"Whether the US will meet us at a meeting room or encounter us at nuclear-to-nuclear showdown is entirely dependent upon the decision and behavior of the United States," Choe said.

Vice President Pence responded in the media with a veiled threat of his own.

"There was some talk about the Libya model," Pence told Fox News "As the President made clear, this will only end like the Libya model ended if Kim Jong Un doesn't make a deal."

So where are we now? What’s next? Is this relationship over before it even started?

Experts from the University of Connecticut may have some insight and deeper understanding of this issue.

Alexis Dudden is a Professor of History specializing in modern Japan and Korea, and international history at the University of Connecticut. Dudden stresses the importance of understanding the complexity of modern Korea-Japan relations to better appreciate Korean resistance to U.S. demands. South Korea is a country where one in six families is directly affected by the North-South divide. It is “imperative that Washington planners take seriously South Korean desires for renewed engagement,” Dudden says.

Professor Dudden is available to speak with media regarding the ongoing talks and threats between North Korea and America. Simply click on her icon to arrange an interview.


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Alexis Dudden, Ph.D.

Alexis Dudden, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of History

Professor of History specializing in modern Japan and Korea, and international history.

History/MemoryModern KoreaModern JapanTerritorial DisputesJapan-Korea Relations

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