Sputnik: It is a momentous day for North and South Korea- what does this mean for the geopolitical landscape as a whole?
Tom Harper: Rather, than geopolitical landscape change, it has been symbolic seeing the denationalization thing before. For example, I believe that with Kim's predecessor, Kim Jong-Il, it was his father's dream to denuclearize Korea. In some ways, this is very reminiscent of that. It is very much more of a symbolic movement; the South of Korea has taken down the propaganda that was directed towards the North. So I think it's in that sort of vein as that.
It's not really in their interest to keep the war going. But I think it's not so much reunification I think there is more for the talks I would say.
Sputnik: Could we be seeing other countries following suit?
Sputnik: What do you know about the symbolism behind the 'planting of the tree of peace'?
Tom Harper: Again, there was actually a time when at the border, the American troops stationed there cut some of the branches on a tree that was blocking the view of the bridge. This tree was believed to have been planted by Kim Il-sung, the founder of their state. They got struck upon by North Korean troops who claimed that was an aggressive move. So it was from a while ago, so probably not relevant, but it is a symbol, cutting down the tree was a sign of aggression, whilst at the same time now I think it's being used as a sign of peace.
Sputnik: Is denuclearization of the peninsula really an achievable goal?
Tom Harper: I think with denuclearization, it's always been a difficult thing, because in many ways that's the Norths 'trump card', in the line that if they have this, no one will attack, or they won't dare to attack if we have this nuclear power. They'd have to be absolutely sure that nothing is coming for them if they do denuclearize. It's not like them but at the same time they also have to share- allied with a region that is not going to do the tests that could potentially put them in the range of death. It's a fine balance so to speak.
