The Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, in partnership with the leading US think tank, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) hosted the CHEY-CSIS Joint Conference on Geopolitical Risk and Scientific Innovation. This conference was aimed at assessing the impact of new emerging technologies defining the current era on international order and politics. Specific technologies discussed included artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced materials, unmanned systems, cyber security, blockchain and space technologies. Not only was this conference a novel attempt to link geopolitical risk and scientific innovation that are often considered distinct realms, the conference brought together experts from diverse backgrounds including the academia, military, think tanks, research institutes.

President Park of the Chey Institute, through his welcoming remarks explained the motive to this conference, arguing that the Chey Institute will strive to create an interdisciplinary discourse between two fields that are playing an increasingly greater role in modern society. The head of the CSIS delegation, Senior Vice President Kathleen Hicks discussed the far-reaching impact of scientific innovation on the global order, while also highlighting plans to expand collaboration with the Chey Institute.

This two-day conference also had the privilege of having top Korean military commanders. General Suh Wook, Chief of Staff of the ROK Army gave the opening speech of the first day, while General Won In-choul, Chief of Staff of the ROK Air Force gave the opening speech of the following day. General Suh Wook emphasized that advancements in science have always been ‘gamer changers’ in history. General Won In-choul introduced the concept of 'Air Force Quantum 5.0' outlining ROKAF's efforts to expands its roles in the sky as well as in space.

The first day of the conference hosted three sessions, which were, “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning”, “Advanced Materials and Supply Chain Implication” and “Unmanned Systems and Robots”. On Day 2, two sessions took place titled, “Cyber Security and Blockchain” and “Space Technologies”.

This first Joint CHEY-CSIS Conference was the first step in collaborating with CSIS on the link between geopolitical risk and scientific innovation. A second conference is scheduled later this year, while a report will be published based on the findings and ideas from the meetings.