Foreign Relations

At the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), we foster connections to advance United States-Republic of Korea ties. Through bringing together people with an interest in topics of importance to…

Does the forty-fifth president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, have a foreign policy, not least of all inclusive of the vital Northeast Asian region? The question is not…

When Xi Jinping’s strategizing in East Asia is discussed, attention centers on the southern tier, stressing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Policies toward Northeast Asia have been treated mostly…

This paper discusses the strategic framework for Russia’s policies toward Northeast Asia, placing it in the context of Moscow’s geopolitical repositioning after the Ukraine crisis and the ensuing confrontation with…

One of Korea's strongest capabilities is its soft power, accrued through its exports of Korean popular culture. Whether it’s Squid Game or BTS, Parasite or Black Pink, the Korea Wave has reached every shore and boosted Korea's profile. But while this does provide some opportunities, experts say there are limitations to what objectives the Korean…

What happened On January 15, 2022, President Moon Jae-in arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to begin his three-nation trip to the Middle East. The spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office emphasized room to grow the relationship with the region through green energy and economic cooperation. The visit follows the South Korean trade…

What Happened: Despite controversies around the legacy of Japan’s colonial exploitation, recent polling found that South Koreans have a less favorable view towards China than they do toward Japan. President Moon did not join the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics nor did he stop Chinese tour groups coming to South Korea during the…

Korea is expected to apply later this year for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement between eleven states in the Indo-Pacific. One signatory of the agreement is Japan, raising fears that bilateral tensions may encourage Tokyo to oppose Seoul's bid. But noting their shared membership in another…