More than 50 years have passed since the end of World War II, yet unlike Europe, East Asia still harbors lingering conflicts and mistrust due to Japan's insufficient reflection on its past. Issues such as the suffering of military comfort women and forced laborers involve not only South Korea but also China and Southeast Asian countries, making it a shared challenge that requires collective resolution. Additionally, territorial disputes over areas such as Dokdo, the Senkaku Islands, and the Kuril Islands are not merely about land but are rooted in historical grievances that fuel these conflicts. Against this backdrop, exploring ways to resolve historical conflicts presents an opportunity to enhance peace in the East Asian region. Professor Alexis Dudden of Connecticut University and Professor Wang Hwi Lee of Ajou University will discuss the past and future of East Asia to provide perspective for the East Asian regional peace community from the point of history and politics.

- Opening Remarks
CHOI, Seung Hwan (President, KSIL)

- Congratulatory Remarks
KANG, Jeong Sik (Director-General, International Legal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

- Moderator
LEE, Jang-Hie (Professor, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)

- Presenters
LEE, Wang Hwi (Professor, Ajou University)
‘Constructing a Peace Community in Northeast Asia: Power, Economy and Identity’
Alexis DUDDEN (Professor, University of Connecticut)
‘International Law and Dokdo: History and Prospects for the Future’

- Discussants
LEE, Hocheol (Professor, Incheon National University)
HYUN, Daesong (Research Professor, Institute of Japanese Studies, University of Kookmin)

- Rapporteur: KIM, Taegil (Executive Secretary, KSIL)