Signature Conference - Cold War Economies in the Two Koreas

Fri Feb 27 2026 at 10:00 am to 03:00 pm UTC-05:00

Elliott School of International Affairs, Lindner Family Commons (Room 602) | Washington

GW Institute for Korean Studies
Publisher/HostGW Institute for Korean Studies
Signature Conference - Cold War Economies in the Two Koreas
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Dive into the hidden Cold War economics shaping North and South Korea today—live and in person! (In-person only event)
About this Event

Signature Conference - Cold War Economies in the Two Koreas

Join us in person for an insightful dive into the Cold War economies of North and South Korea! This event brings together experts and enthusiasts eager to explore how the two Koreas shaped their economic paths amid global tensions. It's a perfect chance to learn, network, and discuss some fascinating history. Don’t miss out on this unique conference experience!


Event Description:

The Cold War divided the Korean peninsula and pushed North and South Korea on to two very different but sometimes strangely similar developmental trajectories. In this conference, we will look at different aspects of the North and South Korean economies during the Cold War. We will examine how the Korean War impacted both Korean states economically and how each state tried to modernize and develop in the aftermath of the war. The conference will also pay attention to how outside powers such as the United States and China shaped economic development in the two Koreas. Ultimately, this conference seeks to understand how the Cold War economic transformations of North and South Korea left an indelible imprint on the peninsula, the East Asian region, and the world. 

 


Agenda

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks Remarks

Info: Celeste Arrington, Professor of Korean Studies, George Washington University Young-Key Kim-Renaud, Professor Emeritus of Korean Language and Culture and International Affairs, George Washington University


🕑: 10:10 AM - 11:25 AM
Session I: The Wartime Economy in Korea

Info: Moderator : Oliver Kim

Speakers

Patrick Chung, Assistant Professor of History, University of Maryland

“The Korean War and the Origins of the ‘Military-Industrial Capitalist’ World Order”

Jeongmin Kim, Assistant Professor, Program Director, Asian Studies, University of Manitoba


🕑: 11:25 AM - 12:15 PM
Brunch

Info: Light Lunch will be served for attendees. (Please e-mail [email protected] for any dietary restrictions).


🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Session II: The Political Economy of North Korea

Info: Moderator

Rachel Minyoung Lee, 38th North, Stimson Center


Speakers

Haeyoung Kim, Assistant Professor of East Asian History, San Francisco State University

“Infrastructural Foundations: North Korea and China in the Early Cold War”


James Person


🕑: 01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Snack Break

Info: Coffee and Snacks provided.


🕑: 01:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Session III: Military Development and Industrialization in South Korea 

Info: Moderator

Gregg Brazinsky , Professor of History and International Affairs, George Washington University


Speakers

Peter Kwon, Associate Professor of Korean Studies, University at Albany, State University of New York

“Contested Sovereignty and the Yulgok Operation: Militarization, Autonomy, and the Making of a Techno-Security State in South Korea”



Nathan Lane, Assistant Professor of Development Economics, London School of Economics


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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Elliott School of International Affairs, Lindner Family Commons (Room 602), 1957 E Street Northwest, Washington, United States

Tickets

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