In our current global landscape, we are witnessing an era of unprecedented fragmentation and polarization, characterized by diverging interests, ideologies, and values. This complex situation is further complicated by ongoing conflicts that resonate globally. The Indo-Pacific region, in particular, has emerged as a crucial arena where competition and the interplay of conflicting values and interests converge, driven by major powers.
A wide and complex spectrum of security challenges, ranging from human rights violations and democratic backsliding to territorial disputes and nuclear proliferation, is contributing to a heightened sense of instability and reshaping the regional order. While both traditional and non-traditional challenges are intensifying power dynamics, a notable trend is the rise of expanded coalitions among like-minded countries that align around shared ideological values. These formal and informal alliances are evolving to confront multifaceted challenges while striving to maintain a competitive edge.
This session aims to explore the strengthening of alliances in the region, focusing on the evolving US-ROK alliance and US-ROK-Japan trilateral security cooperation. It will examine how these partnerships are shaping regional stability and influencing broader power dynamics, while also considering the strategic opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.