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.
North Korea's "Guerrilla Internationalism"
American Eggs-ports to South Korea
Keeping North Korean Human Rights in the Conversation
Korea's Role in Regional Financial Cooperation
The Debate over Video Game Addiction
Creating Consensus on KORUS
[Rebroadcast] How to Write About North Korea
[Rebroadcast] Behind the Scenes of South Korea’s Space Program
[Rebroadcast] Kevin O’Donnell: National Director of Peace Corps
Keeping up with North Korea
Korean Study Abroad on the Decline?
Should the U.S. be concerned about Chinese-North Korean relations?
Learning Korean and Supporting Seniors: SAY's Two in One Model of Teaching
Colonel Edward Forney and the Hungnam Evacuation
A Discussion with Charlie Rangel, Former Congressman and Korean War Veteran
Going Together to the Twenty-First Century: U.S.-Korea Cooperation on Science and Technology
How do American News Outlets Cover Korea?
Prepping for PyeongChang: Looking Ahead to the Winter 2018 Olympics
Visit Korea: American Tourism to South Korea on the Rise
Discussion with North Korean Defectors
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