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UkraineAlert

Sep 11, 2025

China, India, and North Korea back Russia as changing global order takes shape

By Katherine Spencer

Support from China, India, and North Korea for Russia’s war in Ukraine will allow the killing to continue while undermining Trump’s efforts to pressure the Kremlin into ending the invasion, writes Katherine Spencer.

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 9, 2025

Focus on dual deterrence, not headcount, for transforming US Forces Korea

By Markus Garlauskas

In Washington, a narrow focus on the number of US troops in South Korea has obscured a more important discussion on the broader capabilities needed going forward.

Korea Maritime Security

Issue Brief

Aug 27, 2025

Navigating the new normal: Strategic simultaneity, US Forces Korea flexibility, and alliance imperatives

By Bee Yun Jo

The future of deterrence on the Korean Peninsula—and indeed, the wider Indo-Pacific region—will hinge on Seoul’s ability to reframe US force realignments not as unilateral disengagements but as catalysts for action.

Defense Policy Korea

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2025

Five questions (and expert answers) about where the US-South Korea alliance goes from here

By Atlantic Council experts

The US and South Korean presidents met on Monday in Washington to discuss a range of bilateral issues, from security to shipbuilding.

Korea Nuclear Deterrence

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

Surfing the Hallyu: What Taiwan can learn from South Korea’s cultural diplomacy

By Nik Foster

With sustained investment and strategic branding, Taiwan can increase global awareness, deepen international partnerships, and fortify its national identity through cultural diplomacy.

China Civil Society
Republic of Korea Marines storm onto beach during a simulated amphibious assault

Issue Brief

Jul 10, 2025

South Korea is the ideal anchor for the first island chain

By Brian Kerg

The assumptions underpinning analysis and discussion of conflict in the Indo-Pacific are due for a rethink. Though many conversations about Chinese military aggression assume South Korea would not get involved, it could play a decisive role in deterring and defeating an attack on Taiwan.

China Conflict

UkraineAlert

Jun 24, 2025

North Korea is playing a key role in Russia’s war against Ukraine

By Olivia Yanchik

North Korea is playing an increasingly vital support role in Russia's war against Ukraine. This includes providing the Kremlin with vast quantities of ammunition, ballistic missiles, and thousands of men, writes Olivia Yanchik.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

New Atlanticist

Jun 24, 2025

The ‘ironclad’ US-South Korea alliance is outdated. A new age requires a ‘titanium’ alliance.

By Markus Garlauskas

Washington and Seoul must set a new foundation for the seventy-year-old alliance that reflects the current strategic environment.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Jun 3, 2025

Experts react: What does South Korean President Lee Jae-myung mean for Indo-Pacific security?

By Atlantic Council experts

Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung has been elected as South Korea’s next president. Atlantic Council experts delve into what his administration could mean for Indo-Pacific security and more.

Elections Indo-Pacific

Issue Brief

May 30, 2025

New presidents and new nuclear developments test the United States–Republic of Korea alliance

By Heather Kearney, Amanda Mortwedt Oh

In the coming years, the US-South Korea (Republic of Korea, or ROK) alliance is likely to be tested in at least three fundamental ways: by a concerning growth in North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile weapons program; by changes to ROK defense capabilities and structures, including the establishment of ROK Strategic Command (ROKSTRATCOM); and by potential strategy and policy changes under new US and ROK political administrations.

Arms Control Elections
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Experts

Fellow

Shawn Creamer

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Security & Defense East Asia

Fellow

Marvin J. Park

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Fellow

Jonathan Corrado

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Indo-Pacific Korea

Fellow

Kayla T. Orta

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Arms Control East Asia

Fellow

Nik Foster

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Energy & Environment

Staff

Emily E. Kim

Program Assistant

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Korea Security & Defense
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