Korea-Policy-Forum 09-03

[9/03/2020] Korea Policy Forum: Security on the Korean Peninsula and the U.S.-ROK Relations

Thursday, September 3, 2020

10:00am – 11:00am EDT 

Livestream via Zoom

 

Event Description

During the last seventy years, the bilateral relationship between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America has been a lynchpin through which peace and stability has been maintained in Northeast Asia. A relationship that was originally a military alliance has evolved to become a partnership incorporating political, economic, and cultural cooperation as well.

The ongoing pandemic has proven to be another area where the partnership has demonstrated real results, as both country’s governments and businesses have undertaken new measures to cooperate in areas related to health and welfare and worked to reinvigorate bilateral trade.

Please join us for an online discussion with Soo Hyuck Lee, the Korean Ambassador to the United States, as he looks back on the evolution of seventy years of bilateral cooperation and examines what lies ahead for the relationship’s next seventy years.

Speaker

Soo Hyuck Lee
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the U.S.

Moderator

Jisoo Kim
Director, GW Institute for Korean Studies; Co-Director, East Asia NRC

Speaker

Ambassador Soo Hyuck Lee

Ambassador Lee is an experienced Diplomat and former Legislator, Ambassador Lee has served as Korean Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States since October 2019. Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Lee served as a Member of the 20th Korean National Assembly, where he was a member of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, an Endowed Chair Professor at Dankook University in Seoul and First Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service. He was previously the Ambassador to Germany, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and Minister Counselor at the Korean Embassy in the United States. Ambassador Lee has published multiple works, including Conversations with Unified Germany (2006), Transforming Events – Analysis of North Korea’s Nuclear Issues (2008), and North Korea is a Reality (2011). He has twice been awarded the Order of Service Merit. He received his BA in International Relations from Seoul National University and MA in Political Science from Yonsei University. He is married with two sons.

 

Mongolia Flier

[9/10/2020] Landlocked Cosmopolitan Locks-Down: Mongolia’s COVID-19 Response

ieas logo
Mongolia Intiative Logo

“Landlocked Cosmopolitan Locks-Down: Mongolia’s COVID-19 Response 

Part of the East Asia NRC’s Current Issues in East Asia series; co-sponsored with the UC Berekely Institute of East Asian Studies
 

Livestream via WebEX

 

Event Description

Mongolia has been hailed for its COVID-19 response. Though the country lies between Russia and China, its first recorded case was that of a French national employed by France’s state uranium and nuclear company Orano. At the same time, given continuing border closures and stoppages of international flights, Mongolians abroad have had great difficulty repatriating into the summer. Campaign platforms for parliamentary elections campaigns in June heavily focused on increasing trade, logistics, tourism, and other forms of cross-border movement. This talk will address questions around the implications of Mongolia’s COVID-19 response and its position in international economy, politics, and society.

Speaker

Marissa Smith
Anthropologist, Central Asia Working Group, UC Berkeley Institute of East Asian Studies

Moderator

Benjamin Hopkins
Co-Director, East Asia National Resource Center

Date & Time

Thursday, September 10, 2020

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT | 2:00 – 3:15 PM EDT

Note: Registration closes at 5:00pm EDT on September 9. This event is on the record, open to the public, and will be recorded. Advance questions can be sent to gweanrc@gwu.edu with subject “Mongolia Q&A” or directly entered into Webex during the event.

Media inquiries must be sent to Jason Shevrin, jshevrin@gwu.edu. If you need specific accommodations, please contact gweanrc@gwu.edu with at least 3 business days’ notice.

Speaker

Photo of Marissa Smith

Marissa Smith is an anthropologist and Mongolia expert. She currently collaborates with the Central Asia Working Group at UC-Berkeley and is writing about regional and local governance, “raw material” economies, and Mongolia-Russia relations. Her latest publication is “Power of the People’s Parties and a post-Soviet Parliament: Regional infrastructural, economic, and ethnic networks of power in contemporary Mongolia,” in the Journal of Eurasian Studies.

 

Pandemic Politics in Southeast Asia

[7/09/2020] Pandemic Politics in Southeast Asia

“Pandemic Politics in Southeast Asia” 

Part of the East Asia NRC’s Current Issues in East Asia series; co-sponsored with the Sigur Center for Asian Studies and ESIA Research.

Livestream via WebEX

Event Description

The global pandemic and governments’ ensuing public health and other policy responses have shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of pre-existing leadership, socio-economic infrastructure, and public policy within all regions. In Southeast Asia, the media spotlight has variously shone on how Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia’s current governments have dealt with the health, economic, political, and social fallout of COVID-19’s unrelenting spread. Each country has taken a slightly different approach to the crisis, with uneven results. In some cases, unforeseen repercussions spreading far beyond the public health domain are now causing citizens to question their leadership or demonstrate their opposition to certain policy decisions in interesting or unprecedented ways.
 
Join independent researcher and non-resident scholar at the Sigur Center for Asian Studies, Ms. Julia M. Lau, as she analyzes the present situation in each of these Southeast Asian nation-states and discusses how this crisis might lead to political change in the region in the coming years.

Speaker

Julia Lau
Non-resident Scholar, Sigur Center for Asian Studies

Date & Time

Thursday, July 9, 2020

12:30 PM-1:30 AM EDT

Note: Registration closes at 12:30pm EDT on July 8. This event is on the record, open to the public, and will be recorded. Advance questions can be sent to gsigur@gwu.edu with subject “Julia Lau Q&A” or directly entered into Webex during the event.

Media inquiries must be sent to Jason Shevrin, jshevrin@gwu.edu. If you need specific accommodations, please contact gsigur@gwu.edu with at least 3 business days’ notice.

Speaker

Julia Lau is an independent scholar, tutor and writer based in Phoenix, AZ. A native of Singapore, she attended the National University of Singapore and Georgetown University, and has graduate degrees in law, security studies, and government. She has lectured at Georgetown University, The Catholic University of America, and McDaniel College in Westminster, MD in international relations and comparative politics. Her current research interests include war memory in Southeast Asia and China, and gender politics. She was a member of the American Political Science Association’s inaugural status committee on Contingent Faculty (2016-2019), advocating for better working conditions and understanding of contingent and adjunct faculty in political science.

Covid-19 and graphs

[6/29/2020] Virtual Korea Policy Forum Webinar: “Post-Pandemic U.S.-South Korea Economic CooperationMeasures”

Korea Policy Forum

“Post-Pandemic U.S. – South Korea Economic Cooperation” 

Livestream via WebEX

Event Description

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented economic challenges to both the U.S. and South Korea. However, Seoul and Washington have put into place a framework for fruitful economic partnerships that are delivering measurable, concrete benefits for Americans and Koreans alike. The two allies have fought common foes in the past; the same determination and cooperation is required to defeat COVID-19. South Korea’s institutional capacity to handle the current pandemic shows exactly why it is important for Washington to enhance its already strong partnership with Seoul. The United States and South Korea have much to offer to each other, and much to gain from their ever-evolving practical partnership on many key economic policy fronts.

Please join GW Institute for Korean Studies for a timely online discussion on strategic methods in which Washington and Seoul can broaden cooperation even further and invigorate the practical partnership between the two proven allies in pursuit of economic rebound in this time of uncertainty.

Speaker

Terry Miller
Director of Center for International Trade and Economics and Mark A. Kolokotrones Fellow in Economic Freedom, The Heritage Foundation

Disucssant

Wonhyuk Lim

Professor, KDI School of Public Policy and Management

Moderator

Yonho Kim
Associate Director, GW Institute for Korean Studies

Date & Time

Monday, June 29, 2020
10:00 AM-11:00 AM EDT

Registered guests will receive a separate WebEx invitation email with details
for joining the event a day before the event.

Note: This event is open to the public and on the record.

Speaker

Terry Miller champions free markets as director of two of The Heritage Foundation’s key research centers, Data Analysis and Trade and Economics, and as the think tank’s Mark A. Kolokotrones fellow in economic freedom. At the Center for Trade and Economics, Miller focuses on research into how free markets and international trade foster economic growth around the world. He is editor of a signature Heritage publication, the annual Index of Economic Freedom. At the Center for Data Analysis, Miller oversees the statistical and econometric modeling that underpins the think tank’s wide-ranging research programs. Both centers are part of Heritage’s Institute for Economic Freedom and Opportunity. Before joining Heritage in 2007 as director of the Center for Trade and Economics, Miller had a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service. In 2006, he was appointed as an ambassador to the United Nations and U.S. representative on the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council. Miller previously served at the State Department as deputy assistant secretary for economic and global issues. He headed offices at State devoted to the promotion of human rights, social issues, development and trade. Overseas, Miller served in Italy, France, Barbados and New Zealand. He headed the U.S. observer mission to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Miller did both his undergraduate studies in government and his graduate studies in economics at the University of Texas in Austin. He and his wife, the former opera singer Deborah Miller, have three children.

Discussant

Wonhyuk Lim is a professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. He is a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS in 2020. Since he joined KDI in 1996, his research has focused on state-owned enterprises and family-based business groups (chaebol). He has also written extensively on development issues, in conjunction with policy consultation projects under Korea’s Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP). After the 2002 Presidential Election in Korea, he worked for the Presidential Transition Committee and the Presidential Committee on Northeast Asia and helped to set policy directions for the restructuring of the electricity and gas sector and for Northeast Asian energy cooperation. Dr. Lim was at the Brookings Institution as a CNAPS Fellow in 2005-06. After returning to KDI in 2007, he became Director of the Office of Economic Development Cooperation, precursor to the Center for International Development (CID). He received a Presidential order from the Dominican Republic for his KSP consultation work. In 2010, Dr. Lim helped to formulate the G20 Seoul Development Consensus for Shared Growth. In 2013, he became Vice President and Director of Department of Competition Policy at KDI. In 2014-15, he served as the inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Regulatory Studies. Most recently, he served as Associate Dean, Office of Development Research and International Cooperation, at KDI School. His recent publications include Opinion Polarization in Korea: Its Characteristics and Drivers (KDI, 2019, co-authored), Understanding the Drivers of Trust in Government Institutions in Korea(OECD, 2018, co-edited), Improving Regulatory Governance (OECD, 2017, co-authored), The Korean Economy: From a Miraculous Past to a Sustainable Future (Harvard, 2015, co-authored), and Global Leadership in Transition: Making the G20 More Effective and Responsive (Brookings and KDI, 2011, co-edited). He received a B.A.S. in Physics and History and a Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University.

 

Moderator

Yonho Kim is Associate Research Professor of Practice and Associate Director of GW Institute for Korean Studies. He specializes in North Korea’s mobile telecommunications and U.S. policy towards North Korea. Kim is the author of North Korea’s Mobile Telecommunications and Private Transportation Services in the Kim Jong-un Era (2019) and Cell Phones in North Korea: Has North Korea Entered the Telecommunications Revolution? (2014). His research findings were covered by various media outlets, including Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Yonhap News, and Libération. Prior to joining GWIKS, he extensively interacted with the Washington policy circle on the Korean peninsula as Senior Researcher of the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Senior Reporter for Voice of America’s Korean Service, and Assistant Director of the Atlantic Council’s Program on Korea in Transition. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in International Relations from Seoul National University, and an M.A. in International Relations and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

[5/14/2020] Virtual Webinar: “COVID-19 & Taiwan’s International Space Reimagined”

COVID-19 & Taiwan’s International Space Reimagined

Live Roundtable via WebEx

Date & Time

Thursday, May 14, 2020
8:00 PM-9:30 PM EDT

Event Description

In this time of world-wide pandemic, Taiwan’s continued exclusion from the World Health Organization is being hotly debated. Ahead of the upcoming World Health Assembly meetings on May 18-23, the Sigur Center for Asian Studies and the East Asia National Resource Center are hosting a webinar with leading experts to discuss the politics and diplomacy over China’s blocking of Taiwan from the World Health Organization, and how the unprecedented global health crisis may be changing Taiwan’s future.

 

Opening Remarks: Benjamin D. Hopkins, Director, Sigur Center for Asian Studies

Expert Panel:

  • The World Health Organization and New Pandemic Politics in Play: Jacques deLisle, Professor of Law and Political Science, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
  • Seeing Taiwan’s International Status Today in Historical Perspective: James M. Lin, Assistant Professor, University of Washington
  • Taiwan’s Health Diplomacy and New International Soft Power: I-Chung Lai, President, Prospect Foundation
  • Discussant: Robert Sutter, Professor of Practice of International Affairs, Elliott School of International Affairs
  • Moderator: Deepa M. Ollapally, Associate Director, Sigur Center for Asian Studies

Q&A

 

Speakers will discuss political controversies spotlighted by the pandemic as well as the historical circumstances of Taiwan’s exclusion from the United Nations under resolution 2758 and how it is shaping current prospects for inclusion in the WHO and other international organizations.

Registered guests will receive a confirmation email with details for joining the WebEx event 24 hours prior to the event. Guests will be able to join the event via the web, using the WebEx app, or by calling in. Please follow the instructions on the confirmation email for more details. Registration closes at 8pm EDT on May 13.

This event is on the record, open to the public, and will be recorded. Questions can be sent in advance to gsigur@gwu.edu with subject “Taiwan Roundtable Q&A.”

Media inquiries must be sent to Jason Shevrin, jshevrin@gwu.edu.​

 

The Art of Laughter kyogen

[11/10/2019] The Art of Laughter: Kyogen

“The Art of Laughter: Kyogen”

Event Description

The acclaimed Ohkura School Kyogen actors Daijiro Zenchiku, Noriyoshi Ohkura, and Shinkai Yoshida will perform the popular and humorous “Busu.”

The performance will be preceded by presentations on the history of Kyogen, an explanation of some of the techniques used, and opportunities for participatory learning. Prepare to laugh, and learn how this ancient performing art form still retains never-fading entertainment charm even today.

“Busu (poison)” is the famous tale of two servants who are given a pail and ordered by their master to “carefully guard it, as it contains a deadly poison, “Busu.” However, the two servants end up opening the pail and find out…

Kyogen is comic theater which developed alongside Noh. While Noh is musical and solemn, Kyogen provides comic relief with a focus on clever dialogue. Historically Kyogen and Noh alternated in the same program, but now Kyogen is also performed independently, as will be the case in this event.

Date & Time
Sunday, November 10th, 2019
3:00 PM (Doors open at 2:30)

Location

Amphitheater, Marvin Center
800 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052

Note: This program will be presented in Japanese with English translation. The event is free of charge, but space is limited and a ticket is required. Please register from the link above.

Book cover of Michael Yahuda's book "The International Politics of the Asia-Pacific" with photos of President Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

[10/02/2019] Asian International Politics in the 21st Century

Current Issues In East Asia

“Asian International Politics in the 21st Century”

For event photos, click here.

Event Description

Following an evaluation of the legacy of the Cold War the author assesses the uncertainties of the post-Cold War era, the weakening of America by its prolonged warfare in the greater Middle East, by the enlarged war on terror and by the financial crisis of 2007-8. Amid the decline of the liberal world order and the rise of China, the author examines Chinese attempts to establish a new order. Analyzing politics in terms of the interplay between global, regional and local developments.

Speaker

Michael Yahuda
Professor Emeritus of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Date & Time

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Location

Room 505
Elliott School of International Affairs 
1957 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052

Note: This event is free and open to the public. This event is to support the launch of Michael Yahuda’s book entitled The International Politics of the Asia Pacific (fourth revised edition).

Michael Yahuda is a Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, where he served from 1973 to 2003. Since then he has been a visiting scholar at the Sigur Center for Asian Studies, the Elliott School, George Washington University, except for 2005-2006 when he was a Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He has been a Visiting Research Fellow at the Australian National University 1976 and a Visiting Professor at the University of Adelaide, (South Australia) 1981-83 and the University of Michigan, 1985-1986. He has also been a Guest Scholar, 1988 and Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center Washington, DC, 2011-2012 and the Fairbank Center for East Asian Studies, Harvard, 2005. He was a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Singaporean Institute for South East Asian Studies (2005) and at the Chinese Foreign Affairs University, Beijing (Autumn 2007). He has acted as an adviser to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and as a consultant to organizations in London and Singapore. His main fields of interest are China’s politics, foreign policy and the international relations of the Asia Pacific. He enjoys an international reputation as a specialist on the politics of East Asia. He has published ten books and more than 200 articles and chapters in books. His latest book is The International Politics of the Asia-Pacific (4th and completely revised edition, 2019).

[9/26/2019] Nuclear North Korea and Four Future Scenarios: A Japanese Perspective

Current Issues In East Asia

“Nuclear North Korea and Four Future Scenarios: A Japanese Perspective”

For event photos, click here.

 

Event Description

What should we expect for the future of the Korean peninsula? There are at least four possible scenarios: one good, two bad, and one tricky. Dr. Michishita will discuss what happens in each scenario, and how Japan might respond to it.

Speaker

Narushige Michishita
Vice President, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

Moderator

Mike Mochizuki
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, George Washington University

Date & Time

Thursday, September 26th, 2019
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Location

The National Churchill Library and Center
Gelman Library – First Floor
2130 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20052

Note: This event is free and open to the public. 

Narushige Michishita is vice president of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo. He acquired his Ph.D. from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University. A specialist in Japanese security and foreign policy as well as security issues on the Korean Peninsula, he is the author of North Korea’s Military-Diplomatic Campaigns, 1966-2008 (Routledge, 2009) and Lessons of the Cold War in the Pacific: U.S. Maritime Strategy, Crisis Prevention, and Japan’s Role (Woodrow Wilson Center, 2016) (co-authored with Peter M. Swartz and David F. Winkler).