Korea Chair

The Korea Chair is the premier independent platform in Washington, D.C. for the advancement of major policy issues of common importance to the people of the Republic of Korea and the United States

Mission

Through nonpartisan, expert analysis and cutting-edge research on ongoing policy opportunities and security challenges facing the region, the Korea Chair promotes a greater understanding of relations between the United States, Korea, and Asia. 

CSIS appointed Dr. Victor Cha, former White House official and Georgetown University professor and vice dean as the inaugural chair holder in 2009. 

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Media Queries

Recent Analysis

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Assessing South Korea's National Assembly Election

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha is joined by Dr. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, professor at King's College London, KF-VUB Korea Chair, and adjunct fellow of Korea Chair at CSIS, to discuss the National Assembly election results, how the election will affect President Yoon's foreign policy, and what the outlook is moving forward.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo — April 18, 2024

See all analysis by the Korea Chair

Recent Event

Photo: Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images

ROK-U.S. Strategic Forum 2023

The CSIS hosted the 8th annual ROK-U.S. Strategic Forum, our premier international forum that brings together officials, policymakers, and experts to discuss issues important to the U.S.-ROK alliance.

September 25, 2023

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The Kishida-Yoon Summit Meeting: A New Start for Japan-Korea Relations

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol will visit Japan for a bilateral summit with Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio, the first official summit in 12 years to be held in either country.

Critical Questions by Ellen Kim, Nicholas Szechenyi, Victor Cha, and Christopher B. Johnstone — March 15, 2023

Strengthening U.S. extended deterrence

At the 12th Joongang Ilbo-CSIS Forum on December 1, 2022, Dr. Victor Cha moderated a keynote conversation with Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, in which the two discussed U.S. policy on extended deterrence as it relates to Korea.  

Newsletter by Victor Cha — December 14, 2022

South Korea would benefit from joining a Quad+

The time has come for South Korea to take the leap and join an expanded Quad, or Quad+. The tangible and potential benefits of such a decision outweigh any possible negative effects.

Newsletter by Ramon Pacheco Pardo — February 26, 2021

Assessing the Direction of South Korea-Japan Relations in a New Era

South Korean president Moon and new Japanese prime minister Suga could combat the long-lasting impasse in South Korea-Japan relations, but the complex and volatile tradition of diplomacy between the two countries makes for an arduous road ahead.

Commentary by Michael J. Green and Cheol Hee Park — October 6, 2020

Party on the Bridge: Political Commissars in the Chinese Navy

As China's global maritime power grows, understanding the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over China's navy is crucial. One of the most important instruments of CCP authority over the military is the political commissar—a role that remains misunderstood.

Report by Jeff Benson and Zi Yang — June 29, 2020

North Korea’s Strong Hand Against the U.S.

For Halloween, Kim Jong Un gave Donald Trump a trick, not a treat: North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Thursday toward the Sea of Japan.

Newsletter by Sue Mi Terry — November 4, 2019

JoongAng Ilbo-CSIS Forum 2019: John C. Rood

2019 witnessed the restart of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea after the failed summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The process of building peace on the Korean peninsula remains a paramount goal of all parties, and the price of unsuccessful diplomacy is a burgeoning nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program.

Transcript — September 30, 2019

JoongAng Ilbo-CSIS Forum 2019: Hong Seok-Hyun

2019 witnessed the restart of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea after the failed summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The process of building peace on the Korean peninsula remains a paramount goal of all parties, and the price of unsuccessful diplomacy is a burgeoning nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program.

Transcript — September 30, 2019

The Meaning of GSOMIA Termination: Escalation of the Japan-Korea Dispute

The South Korean government announcement today of its intention not to renew the General Security of Military Information Agreement represents escalation of the Japan-Korea dispute after each side removed the other from preferred trade partner lists earlier this month.

Newsletter by Victor Cha — August 22, 2019