Politics of German Unification: Lessons for the Korean Peninsula

Upcoming events

Invitation

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the Institute for Far Eastern Studies (IFES) are pleased to invite you to the international conference on “Politics of German Unification: Lessons for the Korean Peninsula — In Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of German Unification.”

The histories of Germany and Korea are vastly different.  Yet, one commonality stands out.  Both were casualties of post-World War II superpower rivalry, as both were divided along ideological lines and became symbols of the Cold War.  For Germany, this division ended with the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and subsequent German unity in October 1990.  Since then, Germany has transformed itself, becoming a center for European Union activities.  The country also has made great strides politically, economically, and socially to bring about “inner reunification.”  Nonetheless, “real” unification is a demanding process, filled with high expectations that in many cases are hard to meet.  For Germany, the process of reunification has yet to be completed. 

Unfortunately, the two Koreas have not come close to the reunification euphoria felt in Germany, or the actual official process itself.  Reunification still eludes the two Koreas, as current inter-Korean relations idle closer to confrontation than reconciliation.  How can this be?  How can this be turned around?  As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historical German unity, this conference seeks to examine the two decades of the German reunification experience in attempt to draw lessons and implications for the Korean peninsula.

Your participation at this meaningful event is most welcomed and would be highly appreciated.  We look forward to your presence and your positive contribution.

Walter KLITZ, Resident Representative

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty Korea Office (FNF)

 
please have a look at the attached program