WHAT would you do if you were invited by a repressive regime to advise it on one of its biggest internal problems - and hence help perpetuate the repression? That was the dilemma faced by a group of ecologists who were invited to North Korea to offer expertise on rebuilding its ruined environment (see "North Korea: What a terrible state to get into").
They went, and did what they could. It was the right thing to do. The regime may be atrocious, but what its people need above all else is humanitarian aid. Restoring forests is a step in that direction.
The fact that the regime was willing to ask for outside help is perhaps a sign of greater openness. By reciprocating, the scientists have put themselves in a position to forge depoliticised channels of communication, and hence build mutual trust and understanding. That is the surest way to peaceful change.
If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndication department first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing options available for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to.
All comments should respect the New Scientist House Rules. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please use the "Report" link in that comment to report it to us.
If you are having a technical problem posting a comment, please contact technical support.
How do you solve a problem like North Korea?
This article
How do you solve a problem like North Korea?
can be opened in url
https://newsvolumetrically.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-do-you-solve-problem-like-north.html
How do you solve a problem like North Korea?
