One of our main activities is organising and hosting Luncheon Briefings on pertinent topics of EU-Asia relations. Beginning with an informal lunch, the Briefings usually last for 1.5 hours, including questions.

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Lucheon Briefing are invited to contact EIAS Direct Dr Willem van der Geest.

Under the Surface of the Six-Party Talks: Findings from Government Interviews
20 June, 2006 from 13h00 - 14h30

Speaker: Dr John S. Park, Project Leader, North Korea Analysis Group, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Chair: Dr Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)

The North Korean nuclear crisis is a dominant factor in the insecurity perceptions held about Northeast Asia. Although the Six-Party Talks have served as a valuable mechanism for addressing critical issues, no substantial resolution has been found as yet. The parties to the talks all bring differing perspectives, objectives, priorities and approaches to the negotiating table, hindering any substantial breakthroughs or progress. Why? In order to gain a deeper understanding and perspective, diplomatic efforts to broker a solution need to be seen in the context of what goes on behind the scenes.

The European Institute for Asian Studies is honoured to welcome Dr John S. Park to speak at its premises. Drawing on research interviews with Chinese, US, South Korean, North Korean, Japanese and Russian government policy advisers, working on their respective country's approach to a resolution, his presentation will provide insights into what has been occurring under the surface of the Six-Party Talks process.

Listen to an interview with the speaker (mp3)