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Korea Economic Institute

U.S.-Korean Diplomatic Crossroads

An Inside View from the Ambassadors

Edited Volume · 2024

U.S.-Korean Diplomatic Crossroads

An Inside View from the Ambassadors

Edited by veteran journalist John Burton, this volume traces the evolution of the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance through the perspectives of the ambassadors who shaped it — from the founding of the Republic in 1948 through the post-Cold War era. Featuring a foreword by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and a preface by KEI President & CEO Scott Snyder, the collection brings together essays by historians, journalists, and former U.S. ambassadors to Seoul, including James Lilley and Donald Gregg.

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Contents

  • Foreword Hillary Rodham Clinton, the 67th U.S. Secretary of State
  • Preface Scott Snyder, President & CEO, KEI
  • Chapter 1 · U.S. Ambassadors and Syngman Rhee, 1948–1961 John Burton
  • Chapter 2 · U.S. Ambassadors and Park Chung-hee, 1961–1974 John Burton
  • Chapter 3 · Richard Sneider Daniel Sneider
  • Chapter 4 · William Gleysteen Mark Fitzpatrick
  • Chapter 5 · Richard Walker John Burton
  • Chapter 6 · Ushering in Democracy James Lilley, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 1986–1989
  • Chapter 7 · Rohpolitik Donald Gregg, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 1989–1993
  • Chapter 8 · ROK Ambassadors to the United States, 1949–1991 John Burton
  • Chapter 9 · The Best of Times Hyun Hong-choo, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 1991–1993
  • Chapter 10 · Defusing a Crisis James T. Laney, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 1993–1997
  • Chapter 11 · An Unexpected Role Han Seung-soo, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 1993–1994
  • Chapter 12 · Bridging the Gap Between Seoul and Washington Park Kun-woo, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 1995–1998
  • Chapter 13 · Financial Fires and the Sunshine Policy Stephen W. Bosworth, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 1997–2001
  • Chapter 14 · Pragmatic Politics Lee Hong-koo, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 1998–2000
  • Chapter 15 · A Study in Contrasts Yang Sung-chul, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 2000–2003
  • Chapter 16 · Managing a Fractious Relationship Thomas Hubbard, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 2001–2004
  • Chapter 17 · A Frustrating Time Han Sung-joo, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 2003–2005
  • Chapter 18 · Updating the Mission Christopher R. Hill, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 2004–2005
  • Chapter 19 · Holding the Line Alexander Vershbow, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 2005–2008
  • Chapter 20 · Triumph and Tragedy John Burton
  • Chapter 21 · Breaking the Mold Kathleen Stephens, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 2008–2011
  • Chapter 22 · Achieving the Objective Han Duck-soo, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 2009–2012
  • Chapter 23 · Return of a Native Son John Burton
  • Chapter 24 · It Couldn’t Get Any Better Choi Young-jin, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 2012–2013
  • Chapter 25 · From Obama to Trump Ahn Ho-young, ROK Ambassador to the United States, 2013–2017
  • Chapter 26 · Winning Hearts John Burton
  • Chapter 27 · Dealing with Trump John Burton
  • Chapter 28 · Call of Duty Harry Harris, U.S. Ambassador to the ROK, 2018–2021
  • Timeline of Events
  • Notes
  • Selected Bibliography
  • Contributor Biographies
  • Index

Citation: Burton, John, ed. U.S.-Korean Diplomatic Crossroads: An Inside View from the Ambassadors. Washington, D.C.: Korea Economic Institute of America, 2024.

ISBN 979-8-9899644-0-6 (Hardcover) · ISBN 979-89899644-1-3 (PDF)