What's your vision in 10-15 years for the Korean peninsula? How determined are the DPRK and ROK in seeking unification?
Dr. Howell: Taking a realistic approach, he begins by expressing that both sides do in fact want to reunite but only under their own terms. He points out the less talked about cultural issues and he believes that we should focus on how we can raise the international norms before tackling the bigger goal of north-south reunification. Again, strongly emphasizing confidence building and trust building - both of which cannot be constrained to a given time frame. “What does North Korea really want?” - He believes that by knowing the answer to this question, a more fruitful approach can emerge.
Dr. Romashkina: Recalling the example of East/West Germany, Dr Romashkina is confident that reunification is possible and more realistic than most would think. She believes unification is possible if both sides would recognise each other and Russia is keen to play a role in this situation, whether that be through dialogue or as she envisions her University becoming a centre for regional harmony centering on scientific integration.
General Engman: He believes that with the situation being as complex as it is, we will not be able to see this end goal soon; the end-goal-society is extremely opposite to how it currently stands. He shares that there are long term requirements needed such as education and training in freedom of expression to then understand what North Koreans truly want. On a more positive note, Gen. Engman does believe in a Korea with less tension on the parallel to come soon.