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.

New U.S. regulations, responding to U.S. national security concerns, are set to take effect in mid-January and will prohibit imports of Chinese- and Russian-made “connected” software and hardware used in manufacturing vehicles. If combined with Trump’s proposed 10%–20% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts, these regulations could adversely impact Mexico’s economy, reduce the global competitiveness of North America’s automotive sector, and disrupt U.S. trade agreements.

Chinese companies are playing a key role in the Persian Gulf region’s energy transition, partnering with state-linked Gulf entities. By prioritizing political stability & long-term gains, these joint ventures enable quicker decision-making. A new brief from the Middle East Energy Roundtable, a collaboration between the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East and the Center for Energy Studies, explores this collaboration and U.S. perspectives.

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.

Developing global partnerships could provide essential research and funding for nuclear energy and the energy transition. In a new policy brief for Brussels School of Governance’s Centre for Security, Diplomacy, and Strategy, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard highlights potential collective efforts that JUKE could undertake to leverage their shared strengths for a more sustainable future.

To provide better security and asylum resources at the U.S.-Mexico border, the new U.S. administration and Congress should create legal pathways for immigration, update and better fund the asylum system, and focus political messaging on the historic importance of providing refuge to those seeking safety, writes fellow Kelsey Norman.

By prioritizing energy transition speed over economic stability, Germany’s recent energy policies have resulted in persistent economic underperformance, the fear of growing industrial weakness, and potential political instability. Germany’s current economic status offers valuable lessons for the United States’ and other countries’ approaches to renewable energy adoption, writes Ted Loch-Temzelides.

While concerns about the state of the U.S. economy tend to overshadow foreign policy issues in any presidential election, it is essential that the U.S. maintain robust diplomatic, economic, and military engagement in the Indo-Pacific region postelection for America’s economic and national security interests, writes nonresident scholar Daniel H. Katz.

Despite being one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of the U.S. economy, the construction industry faces a severe labor shortage due to an aging workforce, lower birth rates, and reduced immigration. This new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the industry’s needs, including authorizing more migrant workers through limited-term visas and promoting construction skills and careers to young people.