Mr. Tom Grant, Chair
t-grant1@northwestern.edu


The past few years have seen natural disasters wreak havoc and destruction across the globe. Ranging from earthquakes to tsunamis in Asia, to hurricanes in Louisiana, these disasters have engendered a variety of responses from organizations and governments around the world. However, sometimes these disaster responses become political issues in themselves.

This past fall, following the devastation wraught by Hurricane Katrina, Cuba extended an offer of aid to the US of medical personnel which was rejected. The reasons for this refusal were unclear, but the issue was undoubtedly made more complicated by the fact that Cuba is a nation that in the view of the US government curbs human rights.

Now imagine that there has just been a natural disaster in a country that restricts human rights. Floods have struck North Korea, sending the country into chaos. Thousands if not millions are stranded or homeless. There is risk of famine. The regime of Kim Jong Il has been split in two. The half headed by Kim insists on refusing aid. The other faction has signaled an interest in receiving foreign assistance.

The question falls to the UN- do we extend aid to this troubled country? If so, how do we go about this? Should we negotiate with Kim Jong Il to allow help in? Or do we negotiate with the other half of the regime? Do we impose conditions for this assistance? What sort of assistance do we offer? Do we wish to commit troops, peacekeepers into this troubled situation? After all, this regime is teetering on collapse.

“North Korea rejects UN Food Aid.”
“UN Calls for More Aid to Help North Korea Reform.”