CESTA: Republic of Korea

This project examines how the Republic of Korea is reshaping its economic security strategy and explores new opportunities for deeper U.S.-ROK cooperation in critical technologies and supply chains.

This CESTA report analyzes ROK's biggest economic security challenges, its economic security policies and strategies, and their implications for Korea's long-term prosperity and security. It includes deep dives into key sectors such as artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, semiconductors, clean tech, cybersecurity, and more, and identifies opportunities for deepening U.S.-ROK cooperation to achieve its economic security goals.

This project is made possible through funding from Coupang and general support to the CSIS Economic Security and Technology Department.

Contact Information

Republic of Korea CESTA Staff

Erin L. Murphy

Erin L. Murphy

Former Deputy Director, Chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics and Senior Fellow, Emerging Asia Economics
Phil Luck

Philip Luck

Director, Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business
Karl Smith

Karl Smith

Senior Fellow, Economic Security and Technology Department

All CESTA: Republic of Korea Content

Filter by

1 - 7 of 7 results

AI Moment for the U.S.-ROK Alliance

Winning the AI race is no longer about inventing better models. It is about turning AI into national power. South Korea is emerging as a pivotal country capable of connecting American innovation with real-world deployment through its strengths in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. 

Newsletter by Sung-han Kim — July 29, 2026

How AI Cooperation Can Save the U.S.-ROK Trade Talks

As the August 1 deadline looms, the United States and South Korea must resist a narrow tariff fix and instead focus the negotiations on full-stack AI collaboration. An AI stack accord would meet the four key tests of a modern U.S.-ROK economic security partnership.  

Commentary by Navin Girishankar — July 15, 2025