Content

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The ‘ironclad’ US-South Korea alliance is outdated.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

Report

May 12, 2025

A rising nuclear double-threat in East Asia: Insights from our Guardian Tiger I and II tabletop exercises

By Markus Garlauskas, Lauren D. Gilbert, Kyoko Imai

A decade from now, the United States will face even tougher challenges in the Indo-Pacific than it does today. With this in mind, the Atlantic Council's Guardian Tiger tabletop exercise series is preparing mid-level government and military leaders to address such threats.

Arms Control China

UkraineAlert

May 1, 2025

Putin confirms North Korean troops are fighting for Russia against Ukraine

By Olivia Yanchik

More than six months after the story was first reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia’s war against Ukraine, writes Olivia Yanchik.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Apr 17, 2025

Soofer quoted in Politico article entitled, “Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War”

By Atlantic Council

On April 11, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was quoted in a Politico article entitled, “Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War.” In discussing US extended deterrence, Soofer is quoted saying, “What makes the South Koreans nervous is the fear that we wouldn’t risk San Francisco to save Seoul.”

Arms Control China

Testimony

Feb 21, 2025

Kimberly Donovan testifies to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the Axis of Autocracy

By Kimberly Donovan

On February 20, Economic Statecraft Initiative Director Kimberly Donovan testified to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission at a hearing titled, "An Axis of Autocracy? China's Relations with Russia, Iran, and North Korea."

China Economic Sanctions

Report

Feb 7, 2025

Toplines: The United States and its allies must be ready to deter a two-front war and nuclear attacks in East Asia

By Markus Garlauskas

The "toplines" from Markus Garlauskus' report on two emerging and interrelated deterrence challenges in East Asia with grave risks to US national security.

Arms Control China
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Experts

Staff

Emily E. Kim

Program Assistant

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Korea Security & Defense

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
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