LISTEN: Shifting Perspectives: Redefining Track II Diplomacy to Re-engage North Korea

With Cathy Kang
In conversation with Susan A. Thornton
November 2024

Susan Thornton, Director of the NCAFP’s program on Asia-Pacific security, sits down with PhD scholar Cathy Kang to discuss her research into European-led Track II diplomacy with North Korea.

Read more about our Next-Generation Korean Peninsula Specialists Program here.

Cathy KANG is a PhD candidate in International Relations at Sofia University, specializing in international negotiations and security dynamics with a focus on the Korean Peninsula. Raised in Europe and having studied in Korea, Cathy Kang brings a unique multicultural perspective to her studies. Her dissertation examines South Korea’s soft power initiatives and their impact on North-

South Korea peace negotiations, highlighting her interest in diplomacy and peacebuilding.

Cathy Kang is an advisory member at the Peaceful Unification Advisory Committee where she is contributing to projects on peace and international cooperation through cultural diplomacy. Her work has been recognized at several international conferences, where he has presented her findings on multilateral negotiations and the role of the soft power. In addition, Cathy is a graduate researcher at the Korea Peace Institute where she works together with like-minded graduate researchers on the topic of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Driven by a commitment to enhance understanding and peace regionally and globally, Cathy Kang aspires to contribute to policy-making that supports stability and development in the region. He is particularly fascinated by the interplay of cultural diplomacy and political strategy on the Korean Peninsula.

Outside of academia, Cathy enjoys networking, traveling and coffee.