The North Korean famine and inter-Korean relations- Disaster diplomacy perspective

In this study, we analyze government-level inter-Korean disaster diplomacy in order to assess the impact of the North Korean famine (1994-1998) on inter-Korean relations. By considering di-sasters as political shocks, we explore how the dynamics of change unfolded over time and, accordingly, whether or not the North Korean famine marked a moment of profound political change in South Korea-North Korea relations. Our study examines disaster aid as a diplomatic instrument both historically and politically, offering the first comprehensive analysis of inter -Korean disaster diplomacy. Based on a qualitative analysis of South Korean aid policies and North Korea's responses between 1995 and 2010, it is argued that despite the North Korean famine triggering a momentary rapprochement, inter-Korean relations have not changed much over the long term. Instead of focusing on spontaneously occurring calamities, such as earth-quakes or tsunamis, this study presents the first examination of the long-term implications of a slow-onset, prolonged disaster: famine. By this, we contribute an underexplored perspective to disaster diplomacy literature and a new angle on the research of inter-Korean relations.