President-elect Donald Trump will bring a new agenda and a different approach to the United States’ alliances compared to the outgoing Biden administration. How should the second Trump administration balance US national security interests while building on Washington’s strong alliance with the Republic of Korea (ROK)? The two governments recently “reaffirmed the shared vision, common values, and unwavering commitment to their combined defense posture and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) as the bedrock of our security partnership.” On the other hand, President Trump will face growing security cooperation among North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran as he begins his second tenure.
While the North Korean nuclear problem is once again a central security challenge, South Korean leaders hold diverse views about how to enhance extended deterrence. There is also considerable debate in Seoul about how the ROK should modernize its military capabilities, manage Korea’s relationship with China, support peace and security in maritime Asia (including the Taiwan Strait), and deepen cooperation with Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Join Hudson for keynote remarks and an expert panel discussion on Korean policy challenges and priorities as well as ways the next US administration can minimize policy disruptions during the transition and find further strategic convergence with the ROK.
Agenda
10:00 a.m. | Remarks
10:30 a.m. | Panel Discussion
Join Senior Fellow Michael Doran for a candid conversation with H.E. Narek Mkrtchyan, ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States of America, as they discuss the developments, challenges, and opportunities defining the US-Armenia relationship.
Join Senior Fellow Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) for a fireside discussion on how Congress can guide American strategy, the need to modernize the defense industrial base, and the vital role of allies and partners in an unstable international environment.
