In 2023, KEI has set out on its "Rethinking Korea initiative," which explores the evolution of U.S.-Korea relations, Korea's place in the world, and rapid changes in Korean society itself. The initiative involves both retrospective inquiry as well as prospective analysis about future trends. Our guest today is someone who was present for and a direct participant in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance and remains a keen observer of the relationship and the region.
Rob Rapson, Senior U.S. Diplomat (Ret.) and Korea and Asia Specialist, served as a diplomat and foreign service officer for 39 years from 1982 to 2022. During his time in the foreign service, Rob served in a range of positions focused on Korea, including as the Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Seoul/U.S. Consulate Busan, Korea (1984-86); Senior Trade Officer & Deputy Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Seoul (1997-2000); Director Office of Korean Affairs, Washington, DC (2012-15); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Seoul (2018-2021); and, finally, as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador), U.S. Embassy Seoul (Jan-July 2021). In addition, Rob served in Japan, India, Afghanistan, and throughout Southeast Asia.
Our conversation is split into two parts, the first of which focuses on Rob's time before joining the Korea Desk in 2012. We cover a wide range of experiences and issues, from Rob's path to the foreign service and first impressions of South Korea to Seoul's transition from dictatorial rule to democratization, its navigation of the "IMF" or East Asian financial crisis, and its remarkable transformation into a middle power and one of the world's most advanced economies.
The second part of our conversation, due for later release, will cover his time at the Korea Desk (2012-2015) up to the present day.
What are Domestic Politics Doing to the U.S.-Korea Alliance?
Charting China’s Use of Armed Coercion: James Siebens (Part 2)
Charting China’s Use of Armed Coercion: James Siebens (Part 1)
Where are North Korea's Relations with Russia Headed?
The U.S.-ROK-DPRK Strategic Triangle in the Indo-Pacific Era
How Can Korea and Australia Cooperate in the Indo-Pacific?
Energy Insecurity: How Resource-Poor Korea and Japan Powered Their Economies
The Costs of War: Deepening North Korea-Russia Ties
Economic Security and U.S.-China Competition: The View From North Korea
Rhetoric Vs. Reality: Seoul and Washington’s Strategic Alignment on Taiwan
Korea’s Cultural Wave: The Story Behind the Strength
South Korea: Caught in the Crosshairs of U.S. China Competition Over Semiconductors
The ROK-U.S. Alliance at 70: Expanding Diplomatic Horizons Through Public Diplomacy
What We Know and Don’t Know about North Korea
From K-Pop to K-Beauty: KEI at KCON
South Korea and Global Public Health Beyond the Pandemic: Dr. Jerome Kim
Building Trilateral Momentum: The U.S.-Korea-Japan Summit
The Challenges of Implementing Sanctions on North Korea: An Expert’s Perspective
Democracy and Duty in Korea: Aram Hur
Humanizing Korea: E. Tammy Kim
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free