KEDO: Which Way from Here?

Contrary to the early skepticism, the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) has not only survived; in some ways it has actually flourished. KEDO and the DPRK (North Korea) have been able to forge a solid working relationship, which has been reflected in numerous agreements that interpret and implement the original commitments set forth in the 1994 Agreed Framework. More important is what KEDO has prevented—including the halting of its reprocessing of fissile material for atomic bombs. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been allowed continuous access to monitor this “freeze.” To date, there have been no publicly confirmed reports of the North cheating on this arrangement. Yet If KEDO were judged on its ability to efficiently manage an international construction project, it would be fortunate to receive a ”gentleman’s C.” But that may be the wrong way to assess its performance. Fundamentally, KEDO is a political endeavor, not a commercial project, and in that respect it has made a substantial contribution to peace building. Even without knowing the ultimate outcome of the KEDO project, its stabilizing presence has allowed the DPRK and the major powers in the region to begin a process of diplomatic and economic engagement.