Special Lecture by John HAMRE (CSIS)
In Search of a Durable Strategy to Guide ROK-US Relations

2019.09.24 09:30 - 11:30

On September 24, the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies invited John Hamre, President and CEO at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for a special lecture titled "In Search of a Durable Strategy to Guide ROK-US Relations". Dr. Hamre was elected president and CEO of CSIS in January 2000. Before joining CSIS, he served as the 26th US deputy secretary of defense. Prior to holding that post, he was the under secretary of defense from 1993 to 1997.

Through his lecture, Dr. Hamre discussed the fundamental meaning the ROK-US alliance holds and emphasized its importance. Dr. Hamre addressed the growing conversation in the US arguing the USFK could withdraw if a peace deal is struck with North Korea. However, he frankly stated that North Korea was not the singular reason for the US forces' presence on the Korean peninsula. According to Dr. Hamre, the role of the ROK-US alliance goes beyond the Korean peninsula and plays a vital part in regional security. "How will we assure regional security in Northeast Asia for the next three decades?" Dr. Hamre says that the answer can be found with a unified Korea that protects values of free market and democracy.

The lecture was followed by a discussion with Dr. Scott Kennedy, an expert on Chinese economy, moderated by professor Lee Sook Jong, from Sungkyunkwan university. The discussion touched upon a myriad of critical issues related to the ROK-US alliance, such as defense cost-sharing and South Korea's economic dependence on China. Dr. Kennedy also provided valuable insight on China's economy, as the group discussed the difference between China's State values and rising manufacturing industry, and on the importance of attaining a precise comprehension of China's strengths and weaknesses.

John HAMRE, Scott KENNEDY, LEE Sook Jong

Lectures and Topics

  • Speaker: John HAMRE, CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies)

     

  • Panelist: Scott KENNEDY, CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies)

     

  • Panelist: LEE Sook Jong, Sungkyunkwan University

     

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