Research Library

South Korea could strengthen its relationship with the U.S. by emphasizing how its major industries, such as shipbuilding and energy, can support U.S. efforts to compete with China. Additionally, South Korea could consider offering aid to Ukraine. In a commentary in Korea Law Times, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard explores how managing U.S.-South Korea relations can be mutually beneficial for both countries, economically and diplomatically, especially as they manage their complex interactions with China.

South Korea’s potential aid to Ukraine could not only provide needed military support but also transform both nations’ roles on the global stage. In a new commentary for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard explores how such a move would reshape international diplomacy and strengthen South Korea’s global alliances and economic development.

The significant economic benefits of the U.S.-South Korea relationship, including billions in Korean investments in American industries, have created thousands of U.S. jobs. In a new Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) commentary, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard suggests that reducing tariffs, expanding visa opportunities, and fostering more joint ventures in sectors like steel and shipbuilding could further enhance prosperity and security for both nations.

The recent wave of military coups in West Africa have garnered significant civilian support. In a new commentary from The Conversation, postdoctoral associate Salah Ben Hammou discusses how civilian support — a phenomenon typically viewed as an anomaly to coups — is, in fact, crucial. Ben Hammou also emphasizes the need to understand underlying political contexts and social challenges that lead civilians to such public backing.

Science and technology policy usually takes a back seat to issues such as immigration, the economy, and health care during election season. What’s changed for 2024?

The Middle East is in a new era of mass displacement, with millions uprooted after a year of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with a new front in Lebanon. In a recent commentary featured in The Conversation, Kelsey Norman and coauthor Nichols R. Micinski examine the long-lasting effects of the region’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire to enable displaced communities to return home and rebuild.

While Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump differ on clean energy policy, neither candidate has yet to offer a comprehensive energy plan. In a new commentary featured in The Conversation, Daniel S. Cohan examines how legislation, regulations, and trade policy will guide either administration’s approach to the energy transition.

Chile holds the world’s largest lithium reserves, yet the country’s current legal framework complicates the task of adding participants to boost lithium production. A commentary by nonresident fellow Benigna Cortés Leiss outlines the Chilean government’s new initiative to boost its lithium market share through collaborations between public and private sectors and questions its potential impacts on the lithium world market.

Fellow in Energy and Global Oil, Mark Finley, comments on the 2024 edition of the Energy Institute’s “Statistical Review of World Energy” and points out some new wrinkles, a lot of continuity, and the mixed message left by the world of energy in 2023.