Korea Policy
From the Issue
Korea Policy Vol. 3, Issue 2About Korea Policy
Korea Policy is the premier journal for analysis and commentary on developments affecting the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Bridging scholarly insight and policy relevance, Korea Policy features original research and expert perspectives on strategic, political, economic, and other issues shaping Korea’s role in the world. In this way, KEI aims to inform academic debate, guide policy discussions, and foster a deeper understanding of the important partnership between the United States and South Korea. Contributions come from leading scholars, practitioners, and emerging voices across various fields.
Korea Policy is an open-source academic journal commissioned, edited, and published by the Korea Economic Institute of America in Washington, D.C
Published December 15, 2025
Download PDFThe Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) is pleased to issue Vol. 3, Issue 2 of its new flagship journal, Korea Policy. Our new online journal carries forward the objective and spirit of KEI’s previous publications, the Academic Paper Series’ (APS) On Korea publication, and the Joint U.S.-Korea Academic Studies publication. Like our previous publications, Korea Policy identifies and explores the array of security, economic, and political issues and policy trends related to Korea and the U.S.–Korea alliance. The journal offers academically rigorous and policy-relevant research.
Korea Policy papers are written by academic scholars and policy experts from the United States, South Korea, and around the globe. The objective is to provide opportunities for recognized specialists and new voices to present fresh research and innovative thinking on Korea, the region, and related international issues. Each issue covers a broad, unifying theme and is arranged into two sections of articles. Before publication, working papers of these articles are presented as part of our Korea Policy series at KEI’s office in Washington, DC.
The papers in Vol. 3, Issue 2 exemplify the breadth and depth of policy issues relevant to Korea and the U.S.–Korea alliance. They are original pieces written exclusively for this issue over the last six months. KEI distributes the final publication to individuals in governments, the private sector, policy institutes, and educational communities around the world, and features the digital publication on the KEI website for the broader public.
Contributions in this issue fall under the theme, A Strategic Reset of the U.S.–South Korea Alliance under Trump and Lee. The first section examines the implications of Lee Jae Myung’s election for the U.S.–ROK alliance and South Korea’s regional dynamics. The second section focuses on new areas of alliance cooperation, particularly in the trade, shipbuilding, and energy sectors.
For over 40 years, KEI has produced objective and informative analyses and highlighted important policy research on Korea. I hope you find this volume of Korea Policy to be a useful contribution.
Scott Snyder is President and CEO at the Korea Economic Institute of America