Reimagining the U.S.-South Korea alliance
Past Event
In light of ongoing discussions about the potential for North Korean denuclearization, the alliance between the United States and South Korea may face fundamental questions in the near future. Even if the prospect of major breakthroughs in talks with Pyongyang is unlikely, the Singapore Summit and related events have at least raised the question of how the U.S.-ROK alliance should evolve, after a possible defusing of the North Korean threat at some point in the future.
Although there have been some challenges along the way of late, robust bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea on defense issues continues. The countries recently completed the 14th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue, where important talks occurred and commitments were reaffirmed. But the longer-term future of the alliance raises big questions: What posture toward a rising China, dynamic East-Asian theater, and other regional and global challenges should the United States and the Republic of Korea adopt together? Indeed, one might even ask, are a long-term alliance, and a continued U.S. troop presence on the peninsula, good ideas or not?
On August 22, Foreign Policy at Brookings hosted an event to discuss the state of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, where it might be headed in the years ahead, and the implications for regional security and economic prosperity. Panelists included Michael Green from the Center for Strategic and International Studies as well as Jung Pak of Brookings. Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon moderated the discussion and shared his own thoughts.
Following their conversation, panelists took audience questions.
Agenda
Michael Green
Senior Vice President for Asia and Japan Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Jung H. Pak
SK-Korea Foundation Chair in Korea Studies
Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center for East Asia Policy Studies
Michael E. O’Hanlon
Director of Research - Foreign Policy
Co-Director - Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology, Africa Security Initiative
Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology
The Sydney Stein, Jr. Chair
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With the downward trajectory in [U.S.-China] relations, the incoming ambassador ideally will need to have a visible connection to the president and his senior advisers, familiarity with the range of issues that comprise the relationship, and a future in American politics. The more the ambassador is seen as likely to wield influence in the future on issues affecting China, the higher the cost and risk for Beijing to mistreat him/her.