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Chinese Imperialism on the Korean Peninsula: A Historical Window on Sovereignty and Power Relationships

The Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars presents a talk on sovereignty and territory between the two states.

When:
June 9, 2008 12:00am
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Speakers:
Kirk W. Larsen, George Washington University
Christine Kim, Georgetown University
David Kang, Dartmouth College

The Asia Program of the Wilson Center, in cooperation with the North Korean International Documentation Project, will present a history-based seminar with contemporary implications on Sino-Korean relations. We will have three speakers: Kirk Larsen of George Washington University, Christine Kim of Georgetown University, and David Kang of Dartmouth College. Larsen will discuss the findings from his latest book, Tradition, Treaties and Trade: Qing Imperialism and Choson Korea, 1850-1910, arguing that the motivations, tactics, and successes (and failures) of the late Qing Empire in Chosen Korea mirrored those of other 19th century imperialist countries, rather than conforming to the traditional Chinese tribute system. Kim will examine Korean notions of sovereignty basd on territorial boundaries rather than concepts of a vassal state, while Kang will discuss how China encountered the wider world and how its conception of sovereignty changed immediately--partly Sinocentric, partly Westphalian. The discussants will relate the historical context to modern concepts of sovereignty and territory between the two states.

Time: 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Place: The Wilson Center, One Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.  20004-3027