Author Description

Given the imbalance of relatively dense relations (by North Korean standards for relations with the Western world) and relative underexposure of these relations in the media and in academic discussions the aim of this book is to review the many facets of European - North Korean relations. And indeed, the relations between Europe and North Korea have many facets, including exchanges based on humanitarian, political and business grounds and relations focusing on human rights, capacity-building and education as well as trust-building and cultural exchanges. The two nuclear tests of 2006 and 2009 as well as the hardened North Korean stance throughout 2008 to 2010 were not foreboding well for improved relations with Europe. However, the history of North Korea has been one where the invariable and the unpredictable always have been in a curious relationship. This volume can stimulate academic discussion but also exchange activities between Europe and North Korea and help to make relations, cumbersome as they are under the strains of North Korea's political and economic system and nuclear ambitions, a success story.