Future of the US-ROK Relationship Workshop
November 9, 2012
October 15, 2012 – The Korea Economic Institute, The Asan Institute for Policy Studies and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs held a workshop on the Future of the United States – Republic of Korea Relationship.
Opening remarks were made by Dr. Abraham Kim, Korea Economic Institute, and Dr. Rachel Bronson, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
The first panel included a presentation of findings of new Chicago Council and Asan Institute survey data on how Americans and Koreans are viewing their strategic challenges and what approaches in foreign policy have the most popular support. The recent release of the Asan Institute and Chicago Council surveys allow for a direct comparative look at public opinion on the U.S.-Korea alliance from both sides of the Pacific.
The speakers for this panel were: Scott Snyder, Council on Foreign Relations, and Dr. Kim Jiyoon, Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
The second panel discussed the U.S. role in the Asia Pacific during the next administration, using the survey data presented in panel 1 as a starting point. New tensions in the South China Sea and leadership change in North Korea require a strong U.S.-Korea partnership. This panel will lay out key steps that a next administration could take to ensure a continued robust relationship. Can a second term Obama administration or a new Romney administration reinforce the strong ties developed between Washington and Seoul in recent years? What can either a Republican or Democratic administration expect as a new Korean president begins his or her tenure? How can both countries manage growing regional tensions, and continue to fortify America’s “rebalancing” in Asia?
The speakers for the second panel included: Dr. Victor Cha, Center for Strategic and International Studies; Michael Schiffer, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and Dr. Woo Jung-Yeop, Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
The full report, "Foreign Policy in the New Millennium" can be found here.
Video of the welcoming remarks and panel one can be found here.
Photos from the event can be found here.