Professor Eun Yong-soo of Hanyang University’s Department of Political Science and International Studies has had his research paper published in the summer issue of the University of Cambridge's academic journal Cambridge Review of International Affairs(CRIA). Titled Ontological Security and the Dynamics of Anxiety: Toward a Typological Theory of Change, the paper addresses the reasons for the persistence and potential changes in the hostile relationship between North Korea and the United States.

Previous studies on North Korea-US relations mainly focused on military threats such as the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles(ICBM) and nuclear weapons in North Korea, along with the US sanctions and North Korea’s countermeasures. These analyses largely emphasized material factors like military and economic issues.

In his paper, Professor Eun Yong-soo introduces a new theoretical approach: ‘ontological security.’ This theory argues that anxiety of a nation's security does not stem solely from physical threats to its territory but also emerges from emotional crises triggered when national identity is weakened. Accordingly, a country acts to preserve its identity even at the cost of material damage.

Based on such theory, Professor Eun analyzes that North Korea faces 'double insecurity' in its relationship with the US. Militarily, North Korea continues provocations against the world's strongest power, the US, while simultaneously depending on the US in its existential efforts to maintain its identity narratives, such as the 'Juche' idea, 'unyielding revolutionary spirit,' and being a 'nuclear-armed state.' In other words, the US repeatedly occupies a central role in North Korea's process of constructing national identity.

Professor Eun stated, “From the perspective of ontological security, dialogue and substantive improvement in North Korea-US relations remain challenging tasks. However, possibilities for improving relations can increase if they open up to change North Korea's identity narratives, which could begin with practical approaches by the US government.”

This research is praised for expanding the horizon of international political studies by shedding new light on the North Korea-US relationship beyond military and economic factors and incorporating dimensions of identity and emotions. Professor Eun plans to further strengthen his research analyzing the dynamics of persistence and change in various bilateral relations and propose alternative approaches.