Engagement with the DPRK: Soft Power and Knowledge Sharing Through Educational Exchanges with the Hermit Kingdom

Abstract

As it is becoming increasingly apparent that North Korea is unwilling to give up its nuclear weapons, the international community must focus on alternative forms of engagement that operate independently of the political process. As an alternative form of engagement, this chapter will focus on soft power engagement, especially on knowledge sharing, through educational exchanges as a “high-culture” form of soft power. Proposing that Pyongyang can be a “willing interpreter and receiver” of soft power, this chapter seeks to explore high-culture soft power engagement with North Korea by analysing the utility of knowledge sharing as a tool for engagement and long-term influence. Educational institutions have long held significant amounts of soft power that transcend national boundaries, and knowledge sharing activities through educational exchanges can provide North Korean participants a much-needed access to desired knowledge and ideas. This access can carry potential for further socialization effects such as the spreading of ideas, customs and values. The chapter probes the development and the nature of knowledge sharing with North Korea, demonstrating that non-state actors such as educational institutions are inherently effective in using their influence and expertise to initiate knowledge sharing with Pyongyang. The chapter also examines strategies for successful educational exchanges and knowledge sharing with North Korea and the impacts of such exchanges in relation to engagement efforts with Pyongyang.