#135 Dave Maxwell on North Korea and Influence Operations

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During this episode, Dave Maxwell discusses the importance of human rights upfront, influence campaigns, the pursuit of a free and unified Korea, resting on a foundation of deterrence and defense in the context of countering North Korea.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research Questions</span><span style= "font-weight: 400;">: </span><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Dave suggests technologies be developed which help Western governments access and penetrate North Korea. Also, he believes the potential succession in North Korea is an important research area, as well as mapping out the entire human terrain of key personalities and communicators. He also asks: how can we use defectors and escapees to help with the above research projects and bridge the North and the South. Finally, Dave thinks these “big 5” questions related to North Korea are important:</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">What do we want to achieve in Korea?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">What is the acceptable durable political arrangement that will protect, serve, and advance US and ROK/US Alliance interests on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Who does Kim fear more: The US or the Korean people in the north? (Note it is the Korean people armed with information knowledge of life in South Korea)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Do we believe that Kim Jong-un has abandoned the seven decades old s