Japan’s Succession Battle Pits Moderates Against the Right—and Korea Is Watching

The path ahead in Japan is likely to be fraught with ongoing political instability until the party wins a new election and regains its majority. 

Between Beijing and Washington: South Korea’s Alliance Dilemma in the Trump-Lee Era

The Trump administration is asking Asian allies to contribute more to their defense and collectively step up military coordination to deter China.

Toward a U.S.–South Korea Alliance Renaissance

Washington and Seoul must cast their vision to the broader challenge of shaping regional peace and prosperity.

What is South Korea’s Place in the Trump-centric World Order?

If the value of the partnership is diminished from within, it will become increasingly difficult for the alliance to be sustained.

President Lee Jae Myung’s Strategic Decision to Stop in Tokyo Before Washington

The two Asian neighbors and allies of the United States appear determined to tightly coordinate their response to the Trump administration.

New Leadership, New Priorities for the U.S.–South Korea Alliance

The primary challenge may be whether Trump and Lee can abandon “America First” and “Korea first” instincts to “Make the Alliance Great Again.”

Japan’s Upper House Election Results and Implications for South Korea

For the first time since 1994, the ruling LDP coalition controls neither chamber of the Japanese legislature.

Korea Policy Volume 3 Issue 1 – Full Version

New South Korean Government Takes Steps to Improve Relations with North Korea

North Korea issues like human rights may be awkward and controversial for the Lee administration, but Seoul is committed to testing the waters.

Hopeful First Steps in Korea-Japan Relations Under Lee Jae Myung

Leaders Lee and Ishiba emphasize overlapping concerns about global turmoil as their primary security partner turns inward.

Lee Jae-myung’s Centrist Pivot and the Future of U.S.–South Korea Alignment

South Korea’s friends and neighbors are watching not just what Lee says but whether he governs as the centrist he campaigned to be.

Lee Jae-myung’s Election: A Leader With a Mandate Who Has a Lot on His Plate

Depending on how Lee leads, South Korea may be on the threshold of dramatic domestic and international policy changes.

Key Issues Shaping South Korea’s Presidential Election

South Korean voters will elect a new president on June 3, 2025, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier this year.

How Closing VOA and RFA Undermines U.S. Influence in North Korea

The decision to shutter these agencies impacts their important role in the Indo-Pacific region broadly and on the Korean Peninsula.

Unpacking South Korea’s 2025 Presidential Election