Monthly US-ROK Policy Brief
A Geostrategic shift: trilateral convergence of china, rUSSIA, AND nORTH kOREA ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA
Issue 13 (September 2025)
By Troy Stangarone
Edited by Celeste Arrington, Yonho Kim & Jungchul Lee
Announcements & News
Upcoming Events
[Korea Policy Forum] Building a Strategic U.S.-ROK Artificial Intelligence Partnership
The United States and South Korea are at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) research, development, and industrial application. Both countries have announced new initiatives—the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan in Washington and the Lee administration’s pledge to expand cooperation in AI, nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and semiconductors—signaling their shared commitment to technological leadership. At the same time, rapid advancements in AI across the globe are reshaping the competitive and strategic environment.
This panel discussion will explore the following central question: What are the opportunities and challenges that the U.S. and South Korea may face as they further develop their AI partnership? By bringing together leading voices from government, industry, and academia, the event will examine how the two allies can build a durable and mutually beneficial U.S.–ROK Strategic AI Partnership, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and address global governance and security concerns arising from AI’s rapid evolution.
Date: [November 4, 2025]
Time: 1pm-2:30pm EDT
Location: [Elliott School of International Affairs, Lindner Commons, Room 602, OR Virtual via Zoom]
[Korea Policy Forum] Bridging the Divide: Trade and Immigration Policy in US-South Korea Relations in 2025
The longstanding relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea faces new complexities as President Donald Trump’s second administration pursues a policy agenda centered on immigration control, trade protectionism, visa categories, and investment realignment. These policies have revived debates over economic nationalism, supply-chain security, and the delicate balance between domestic priorities and alliance commitments. This panel will examine how the intersections of immigration, tariff policy, and foreign investment are reshaping the political and economic dynamics of the U.S.– ROK relationship. By analyzing the domestic underpinnings and global repercussions of Trump’s economic and immigration strategies, the discussion will explore their impact on bilateral trade, labor mobility, and industrial cooperation with the Republic of Korea.
The event will be co-hosted by the George Washington University Institute for Korean Studies (GWIKS), the Sejong Society of Washington, D.C., and the Korean American Institute, and will bring together leading experts to assess how the Trump administration’s policies are reshaping the contours of U.S.–ROK cooperation in an era of renewed economic nationalism and strategic competition.
Date: [November 5, 2025]
Time: 6pm-7:30pm EDT
Location: [Elliott School of International Affairs, Lindner Commons, Room 505, OR Virtual via Zoom]
Film Screening: Songs of Love from Hawaii
Songs of Love from Hawai‘i intricately weaves together three poignant stories from the rich history of the Korean diaspora in Hawai‘i, blending historical narratives with soul-stirring musical performances. The film explores the fascinating journey of Korean immigration to Hawai‘i, the emotional life of Lim Ok Soon, a picture bride, and a heartfelt musical tribute to the souls laid to rest in Molokai’s Kalaupapa, a leper colony.
Date: [November 7, 2025]
Time: 3:20pm-5:30pm EDT
Location: [Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 113] 1957 E St. NW
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Past Events
