Geopolitical Implications of a New Era on the Korean Peninsula

The Trump administration has gone through a remarkable shift in its approach to North Korea, culminating in an initial embrace of summit diplomacy. That shift, however, may have opened a Pandora’s box that will have profound implications not just for the future of the Korean Peninsula, but for Japan, China, and Russia as well. What is certain is that engagement with Pyongyang has already impacted East Asia’s geopolitics and will continue to do so moving forward. This conference will address the broader geopolitical consequences of diplomatic success and failure of diplomacy with Pyongyang, and their impact on alliance relationships and the future of U.S. power in the region. 

Registration: This event is at capacity, and the Wilson Center is not accepting any more registrations at this time. 

Agenda

10:30-11:45 Geopolitical implications of diplomatic success with North Korea: Impact on China, Russia, and South Korea

Robert Daly, Director, Kissinger Institute, Wilson Center

Matthew Rojansky, Director, Kennan Institute, Wilson Center

Jean Lee, Director, Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy, Wilson Center

Moderator: Katie Stallard-Blanchette, Fellow, Wilson Center             

11:45-12:00 Lunch

12:00-12:45 Lunch discussion with Marc Knapper, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Japan and Korea

12:45-1:00 Coffee break

1:00-2:15 Geopolitical implications of diplomatic failure with North Korea: Impact on Japan and the United States

Nobumasa Akiyama, Professor, School of International and Public Policy, Hitotsubashi University

Abraham Denmark, Director, Asia Program, Wilson Center

Patrick Cronin, Chair for Asia-Pacific Security, Hudson Institute

2:15-2:30 Coffee break

2:30-3:45 Considering Options for a Way Forward

Yoshihide Soeya, Professor, Department of Political Science, Keio University

Mark Lippert, Vice President, Boeing International and former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea

Robert Litwak, Senior Vice President and Director of International Security Studies, Wilson Center