In a globalized world with ever-increasing economic interdependence, economic ties have rapidly become yet another tool for states to further their agendas. They have become a source of geopolitical leverage, with states increasingly using trade, investment and access to critical
The political crisis of December 2024 and the subsequent inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung in June 2025 constitute an inflection point in the trajectory of the Republic of Korea’s foreign policy. Under the new administration, Seoul is recalibrating away from
Korea’s Arctic engagement has become increasingly visible in recent years. The passage of the Special Act on the Promotion of Arctic Shipping Routes and Related Industries in May 2026, together with the government’s plan to conduct a pilot container voyage
Introduction The rapid melting of Arctic sea ice caused by climate change is creating new possibilities for maritime transportation across the Arctic Ocean. Among the emerging routes, the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which runs along Russia’s Arctic coastline, has attracted
Beyond Recruitment: Korea’s Ambition to Attract and Retain Global TalentOver the past two decades, Korea has undergone a quiet but significant transformation in its role within global higher education. Once primarily a sender of students abroad, Korea is now actively
Geopolitical Transformation and the Emergence of Korea–Mongolia Strategic ConvergenceThe contemporary international order is increasingly characterized by intensified geopolitical competition, deepening economic fragmentation, and the strategic reconfiguration of interdependence across regions. In this evolving environment, states that do not possess the
Middle Power Constraints and Korea’s Strategic Turn to South AsiaThe contemporary international order is increasingly shaped by intensifying geopolitical competition, economic fragmentation, and the growing politicization of interdependence. In this evolving environment, middle powers face structural constraints in projecting influence
IntroductionAs global energy systems undergo rapid transformation driven by decarbonization pressures, technological innovation, and shifting geopolitical alignments, energy-producing states are increasingly redefining their strategies to remain competitive. In this evolving landscape, Azerbaijan has begun to move beyond its traditional role
The Strategic Significance of the Korea–EU SummitThe reality that yesterday’s allies are turning into today’s adversarial partners is emerging due to the reorganisation of the international order. In this environment, it is necessary to establish relations with existing partners that
Introduction: Beyond the Arms Export StoryKorea’s defense industry has spent the past three years moving from being a notable arms exporter to becoming a structural participant in the production networks of major allies. The shift is visible in headline contracts.