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.
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Addressing Continuity in South Korean Foreign Policy
North Korea Sanctions: The View from South Korea
[Rebroadcast] Examining the Korean Economy
South Korea's Growing Role in Myanmar
Korean American Day 2017: Chemical Engineer Dr. Kook-wha Koh
An American Executive in a Korean Chaebol
The Chinese Perspective on THAAD
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New Silk Road? Korea in China's One Belt, One Road Initiative
[Rebroadcast] The Kim Monarchy: Reframing Political Legitimacy in North Korea
Documenting Human Rights in North Korea
The Tearful Reunion Myth: Exploring Challenges Korean Adoptees Face While Searching for Their Birth Families
Using Information to Reduce the North Korean Threat
Korean American Day 2017: Exploring Space with Dr. David Oh
U.S. Forces Korea: The Big Move to Camp Humphreys
2017 on the Korean Peninsula
Will UN Sanctions Finally Stop North Korea?
How to Write About North Korea
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