Session 1
1. Security Challenges and the Future of U.S. Alliances in East Asia
Contingencies involving Taiwan, the South China Sea, and North Korea are of paramount importance due to their potential to disrupt regional and global stability. Taiwan represents a critical flashpoint in US-China relations, with implications for trade, global supply chains, security alliances, and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The situation in the South China Sea is urgent, with near-constant PRC pressure on the Philippines in support of illegitimate maritime claims. Similarly, North Korea's unrelenting nuclear ambitions and unpredictable behavior pose significant threats to peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Deterring aggression will require careful strategic planning, robust deterrence, and cooperation between the U.S., Korea, and Japan, as well as other partners.
