Robert E Kelly
Biography
Publications
Dr Robert E. Kelly is a professor of international relations in the Department of Political Science at Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea. As a political analyst on inter-Korean affairs, he regularly contributes to print and televised media, including BBC World News, China Central Television and Al Jazeera and has written for several publications including The Diplomat and Foreign Affairs and The Interpreter. He has also provided expert opinion for The Washington Post and The New York Times.
More of his work can be found at AsianSecurityBlog.wordpress.com.
North Korea: Why the West freaks out but South Korea doesn’t
I am constantly asked if war is about to break out. I often have the impression the TV hosts or producers are disappointed I am not more alarmist.
Travel ban: North Koreans and Americans now forever strangers
American tourism into North Korea was the last, only way for regular, non-elite Americans and North Koreans to interact.
Learning to live with a North Korean ICBM
There is much complaining in South Korea and Japan that missile defence is too expensive. The time for this whining is over.
The tragedy of Otto Warmbier
North Korea’s ongoing, violent history of ignoring even the most basic global rules makes Pyongyang almost impossible to trust.
Can South Korea’s new president finally tackle corruption?
A division between politics and economics, especially the biggest firms, end the constant temptation provided by developmentalism.
What South Korea’s politics will look like after the election
The primary right-wing candidate in next week's election is now calling himself the ‘Donald Trump of Korea'.
South Korea’s finest hour: Lessons from the impeachment
The scandal that felled Park Geun-Hye has been covered extensively elsewhere. Here are three broader lessons in political science.
North Korea: Strategic patience still the best approach
Every time we engage with North Korea we reinforce its existence as a real state rather than the Orwellian, mafioso fiefdom it actually is.
Mattis visit unlikely to calm Trump-rattled allies
President's Trump’s taste for melodrama and conflict undercuts US envoys such as Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
