2024 CSPS-Korea International Security Symposium

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On June 14, 2024, I had the distinct honor of hosting and emceeing the 2024 CSPS-Korea International Security Symposium as a Student Fellow of the Center for Security Policy Studies-Korea (CSPS-Korea).

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Mason Korea campus and the 5th anniversary of the Korea branch of the Center for Security Policy Studies, this year’s symposium invited the U.S. perspective on Korea’s security and foreign policy at this critical time of rapidly changing security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

The symposium, divided into two sessions, invited both distinguished scholars and former ambassadors to discuss critical Indo-Pacific security challenges and offer strategic advice on Korea’s position in the great power rivalry of today.

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Session 1: Changing Security Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and Challenges

Presentations

“Maintaining Strategic Stability in the US-China Rivalry” Dr. Chaesung Chun, Seoul National University

“Great Power Rivalry and China’s Response” Dr. Ketian Zhang, Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU

“A South Korean Perspective on the US-led Security Network in the Indo-Pacific” Dr. Jae Jeok Park, Yonsei University

Reputation or Reliability? Washington’s Options in a Taiwan Crisis Dr. Michael Hunzeker, Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU

Panel Discussion

Moderated by Dr. Michael Hunzeker, Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU

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Session 2: South Korea’s Contributions as a Middle Power to Regional Security

Remarks

US Perspective Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Former Ambassador of the US to Korea

South Korea’s Perspective Ambassador Ho-Young Ahn, Former Ambassador of Korea to the US

China’s Perspective Ambassador Jung-Seung Shin, Former Ambassador of Korea to China

Roundtable

Moderated by Prof. Ellen Laipson, Director of Center for Security Policy Studies, GMU

I am incredibly thankful for the guests that joined us in the event, including all students, faculty, and staff who were there to support us. In particular, thank you to our distinguished guests that also recognized our hard work preparing for the symposium and the unique connection that the Mason Korea campus has with our Fairfax and Arlington campuses through our slogan of Two Nations, One Mason.

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Opening Session

Welcome Remarks Dr. Gregory Washington, President of George Mason University (GMU)

Opening Remarks Dr. Robert Matz, Campus Dean of George Mason University Korea Dr. Mark Rozell, Dean of Schar School of Policy and Government, GMU

Congratulatory Remarks General Michael V. Hayden, Founder of The Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security, GMU Mr. James Kim, Chairman & CEO, The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Concept Note Speech: “Overview of the Indo-Pacific Security Challenges” Dr. Soyoung Kwon, Director of Center for Security Policy Studies-Korea, GMU

Above all, I would like to thank our incredible Fellows and Dr. Kwon for their work in making the symposium a reality. This event was very much a dream come true, having been able to hear insightful perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and Korean policy through analytical and pragmatic approaches.