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.
South Korea as a Liberal Democracy: Darcie Draudt
Mongolia and the Korean Peninsula: Dr. Alicia Campi
East Meets South: Ahn Choong-yong and Jagganath Panda
Peace Corps Story: Kathleen Stephens
Korea, Japan, and the Missing Advocate: Kristin Vekasi and Jiwon Nam
The Great Successor: Anna Fifield
Defending Korea, from the Nakdong to the Chosin: Colonel John Stevens
How China Sees the Korean Peninsula: Lee Seong-hyon
At Best Unique, At Worst Delusional - North Korea's Special Economic Zones: Theo Clement
Explainer: The Political Origins of Korean Baseball
Explainer: The State of Korea's Childcare Industry
North Korea's Illicit Trade Winds: Hugh Griffith
Why North Korea Won't Budge: Ken Gause
Going Back to The Source: Jeffrey Robertson
[Rebroadcast] Valuing Age and Experience: Yongmin Cho and Quan Nguyen
Explainer: Ultrafine Dust Crisis
[Rebroadcast] We Built This Bureau: Elise Hu
From Maximum Pressure to Maximum Leverage: Daniel Wertz
[Rebroadcast] In Defense of KORUS: Phil Eskeland, Troy Stangarone, and Kyle Ferrier
When North Korea Embraces Mobile Technology: Yonho Kim
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