Korea Policy Forum on Northeast Asian Geopolitics after the U.S. Midterms

About the forum

The 2026 U.S. midterm elections will set the political landscape in Washington for the remainder of President Trump’s second term, with important implications for U.S. policy toward Northeast Asia. At the same time, shifting U.S.–China relations, developments on the Korean Peninsula, and growing economic and technological competition are adding new uncertainties to the regional order.

This Korea Policy Forum brings together leading experts from the United States and South Korea to assess the post-midterm outlook for Northeast Asia from both Washington and Seoul perspectives. Following a keynote address on South Korea’s strategic choices, the discussion will examine regional security, the U.S.–ROK alliance, U.S.–China relations, and emerging challenges in trade, technology, and economic security. The GW Institute for Korean Studies invites you to join this timely and forward-looking discussion.

Program

9:30–10:00 AM — Welcome remarks and Keynote Speech

• Yonho Kim, Interim Director, GW Institute for Korean Studies
• KIM Heung Kyu, Chancellor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy - “South Korea’s Strategic Choices in a Recalibrating Northeast Asia”

10:00–11:15 AM — Discussion

• Moderator: Yonho Kim, Interim Director, GW Institute for Korean Studies

Part I. Regional Security: The U.S.–ROK Alliance and U.S.–China Relations

• Robert Sutter, Professor of Practice of International Affairs, George Washington University
• Hyun-Wook Kim, Professor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy

Part II. Economic Security: Trade, Technology, and Supply Chains

• Shihoko Goto, Vice President of Programs and Director of the Asia Program, Foreign Policy Research Institute
• Hyo-young Lee, Associate Professor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy

11:15–11:30 AM — Q&A

Program Here!