Why, despite its superficiality, Sunday's Panmunjom meeting is cause for optimism



Opinion Why, despite its superficiality, Sunday’s Panmunjom meeting is cause for optimism An impromptu summit suggests the two sides increasingly need a deal — and are willing to compromise Andrei Lankov July 1, 2019 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON White House In the two years which have passed since Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, North Korea watchers have grown used to symbolism and political theater. Trump and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have always paid a great deal of attention to what is now fashionably known as “optics,” often at the expense of substance. The Singapore summit in June last year was, above all, an exercise in political symbolism. “Optics” and “atmosphere building” featured heavily: a lot of declarations, little actual deals. The Hanoi summit in February was more about substance than “optics” – © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Opinion

Why, despite its superficiality, Sunday’s Panmunjom meeting is cause for optimism

An impromptu summit suggests the two sides increasingly need a deal — and are willing to compromise

Andrei Lankov July 1, 2019

Why, despite its superficiality, Sunday’s Panmunjom meeting is cause for optimism

White House

In the two years which have passed since Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, North Korea watchers have grown used to symbolism and political theater.

Trump and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in have always paid a great deal of attention to what is now fashionably known as “optics,” often at the expense of substance.

The Singapore summit in June last year was, above all, an exercise in political symbolism. “Optics” and “atmosphere building” featured heavily: a lot of declarations, little actual deals.

The Hanoi summit in February was more about substance than “optics” –

Why, despite its superficiality, Sunday’s Panmunjom meeting is cause for optimism

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Andrei Lankov

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