Alliances in Alignment: Panel 2 - Trilateralism: the Future

How has trilateral cooperation between the ROK, the US, and Japan been conceived and developed, and where does its future lie? This special roundtable brings together leading scholars and experts to explore the evolution and prospects of trilateral cooperation among the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan. Through two panels, the program will examine the historical pathways and political conditions that enabled the landmark 2023 Camp David summit, as well as the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for this emerging partnership. Panelists will consider the role of leadership, domestic and international dynamics, and shifting regional and global contexts in shaping trilateralism, while also addressing prospects for deeper collaboration across security, economic, and societal domains. By combining insights from history, political science, and international relations, the conference will provide a timely and comprehensive assessment of the strengths, limitations, and future trajectory of the relations between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.

Panel Two – Trilateralism: the Future
Chair: Chris Hughes
Panelists: Kuyoun Chung; Jeffrey Hornung; Yuichi Hosoya
Discussant: Gi-wook Shin

What are the key critical challenges and opportunities for the partnership? How much of the initial agreement remains, in substance; how much remains to be comprehensively and materially realised? What are the key issue areas in terms of cooperation that offer the prospect of substantive progress, whether economic, security (broadly defined), diplomatic or in terms of person-to-person cooperation. How much has a change of leadership in each of the three countries disrupted or helped sustain trilateral cooperation? What role might public opinion in all three countries play in either sustaining or undermining this partnership? Is the partnership fit for purpose or does it need to be supplemented by other forms of bilateral or minilateral cooperation?