By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Nuran Sami from Egypt

Unification is a notion that invokes patriotism, a sense of belonging and emotions in general for most people in both South Korea and North Korea. During this historical time for the Korean Peninsula, politicians, experts and activists are providing a number of professional standpoints, varying from dejected to realistically positive views. However, hope appears to be a collective sentiment at this time.

Dr. Jeffrey Robertson, an academic, consultant, analyst and author, shares his thoughts about the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit and the reason why he chose his field of study. Robertson is an assistant professor at Yonsei University and a visiting fellow at the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy at the Australian National University.

Throughout his professional path, Robertson has provided vital advice to members, senators and parliamentary committees on his areas of expertise. He used to work for the Australian government in the field of foreign policy and Northeast Asia and is experienced in international relations. Before joining Yonsei, Robertson worked as a visiting professor at the Korea Development Institute, School of Public Policy and Management.

His latest work is a book titled "Diplomatic Style and Foreign Policy: A Case Study of South Korea." The book talks around diplomatic styles in terms of significance, use and comprehension, focusing primarily on Korea, and can be of great help to "students of diplomacy studies, foreign policy, Northeast Asian politics, and international relations in general." You can find the book here and his published articles are here.

- What are your expectations regarding the outcome of the upcoming summit? What could be the least worst outcome of it?

My expectations for the summit are not high, but as an incremental first step toward more significant outcomes, and as a step away from conflict, it has already achieved substantial progress.

- What is different this time from earlier Inter-Korean Summits?

The greatest difference between the current and earlier summits is the significant threat of conflict as an alternative policy direction. This was not present in earlier summits, and thus opened them to ridicule as serving domestic political purposes. The current summit also serves an important diplomatic purpose in avoiding the descent into conflict.

- Aside from governmental relations, what do you think the people of both the South and the North are hopeful for the most?

I cannot say what the people of both South and North are most hopeful of, but I am fairly certain that it is not conflict. Accordingly, the current summit really does reflect the aims of the people.

- Why did you choose a field of study where the Korean Peninsula is included?

The Korean Peninsula is the strategic pivot in Northeast Asia, upon which rests the destiny of other states. Understanding Korean politics and foreign policy helps to understand the strategic direction of the entire region.

- What is your most favorite research topic? Can you briefly talk about it?

My area of interest lies in diplomatic practice and method: answering the question, "How can states best utilize their foreign services to secure national interest?" To put it into context, an area of interest to me is how South Korea has used or failed to use its diplomatic tools to secure its national interests in the lead up to the current crisis, and how it could innovate and improve to achieve these aims.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.