WHAT would you do if you were invited by a repressive regime to advise it on one of its biggest internal problems - and hence help perpetuate the repression? That was the dilemma faced by a group of ecologists who were invited to North Korea to offer expertise on rebuilding its ruined environment (see "North Korea: What a terrible state to get into").
They went, and did what they could. It was the right thing to do. The regime may be atrocious, but what its people need above all else is humanitarian aid. Restoring forests is a step in that direction.
The fact that the regime was willing to ask for outside help is perhaps a sign of greater openness. By reciprocating, the scientists have put themselves in a position to forge depoliticised channels of communication, and hence build mutual trust and understanding. That is the surest way to peaceful change.
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How do you solve a problem like North Korea?
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How do you solve a problem like North Korea?
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How do you solve a problem like North Korea?
