Cold War Legacies and Regional Transformations: Revisiting US-Korea Relations and East Asian Dynamics

The Cold War era continues to cast a long shadow over East Asia, shaping the trajectories of political alliances, regional relations, and narratives of memory and mobilization. This panel explores the historical and contemporary implications of the Cold War on South Korea, the broader Indo-Pacific region, and beyond. The discussions will examine topics such as US democracy promotion in South Korea during the Cold War era, the early beginnings of Korea-US diplomatic relations, and the enduring structure of Cold War dynamics in South Korea’s regional relations and foreign policy. Additionally, the panel will provide insight into how communities have used narratives of memory and hope to mobilize in the aftermath of the Korean War, highlighting the human dimension of Cold War legacies. The conversation will expand to include South Korea’s evolving regional role and influence, including an analysis of Philippine-DPRK relations within the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. By revisiting these critical historical and regional dimensions, the panel illuminates the interconnected pathways that have shaped contemporary East Asian dynamics.