SMU Tower Center presents:
The past and future development of the Korean Peninsula

The Tower Center Student Forum, in partnership with the National Unification Advisory Council, presents a panel discussion on the Korean Peninsula on February 28, 2012.

DALLAS (SMU) — The Tower Center Student Forum, in partnership with the National Unification Advisory Council, presents a panel discussion on the Korean Peninsula.

The free event is scheduled at 5 p.m., February 28, in McCord Auditorium in Dallas Hall, 3225 University Blvd with a dessert reception to follow.

The panel of speakers include:

  • SMU political science professor Hiroki Takeuchui
  • Korean American Coalition chair Chong Choe
  • Brian Park of the National Unification Advisory Council 

Korea Peninsula MapNorth Korea, in the wake of the recent death of Kim Jung-il, faces tremendous challenges from economic stagnation and international criticism of its nuclear program.  In stark contrast, South Korea has had a history of impressive economic growth and marks more than 60 years of democracy with its upcoming presidential election.

“The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il left some serious concerns about the future of the Korean Peninsula, ranging from nuclear development to economic stagnation and the role it will play in international relations,” said SMU political scientist Hiroki Takeuchi. “North and South Korea have walked different paths for the last six decades since the Korean War determined the fate of the “‘two Koreas.’” 

The John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies was created to commemorate the late U.S. senator whose life was dedicated to public service and education. In the spirit of John Tower‘s commitment to educate and inspire a new generation of thoughtful leaders, the Tower Center seeks to bridge the gap between the world of ideas, scholarship and teaching, and the practice of politics.

The primary mission of the Tower Center is to promote the study of politics and international affairs and to stimulate an interest in ethical public service among undergraduates. The Tower Center is an academic center where all parties and views are heard in a marketplace of ideas, and the Center pursues its mission in a non-partisan manner.

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