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
Through nonpartisan, expert analysis and cutting-edge, data-driven 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.
The Korea Chair examines issues ranging from politics, economy, and foreign policy to economic security, geopolitics, and non-proliferation. The program runs Beyond Parallel, a microsite dedicated to Korean unification, and employs satellite imagery analysis to monitor and track developments on and around the peninsula. Beyond Parallel also houses years of accumulated databases on nuclear diplomacy, unification, and the US-Korea alliance.
New projects that look beyond the peninsula include the role of the G7 in global governance and the weaponization of economic interdependence. The program actively promotes policy discussion in Washington and Seoul through the Impossible State podcast and the Capital Cable series live on YouTube.
Dr. Victor Cha, a former White House official and Georgetown University distinguished professor, is leading the Korea program as the inaugural chairholder since 2009.
Join our mailing list, subscribe to the Impossible State podcast, and follow us on Twitter to receive the Korea Chair’s latest analysis and event invitations.
Contact Information
- Minchi Hyun
- Special Assistant to the President, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Program Manager, Korea Chair
- mhyun@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Samuel Cestari
- Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- scestari@csis.org
Featured Analysis

North Korean Troops in Russia: Comrades in Arms or Cannon Fodder?
Podcast Episode by Sydney Seiler and Seth G. Jones — February 7, 2025

What's Next for the Korean Peninsula Under Trump 2.0?
Podcast Episode by Ellen Kim and Sydney Seiler — January 24, 2025

Victor Cha in Fortune: Korea’s economy looks like it’s shrugging off Yoon’s impeachment crisis. Don’t be fooled
Commentary by Victor Cha — January 17, 2025

The Arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol
Commentary by Victor Cha and Ellen Kim — January 15, 2025

Jimmy Carter’s Post-Presidency Role in U.S.-North Korea Relations
Podcast Episode by Robert R. King — January 6, 2025
Upcoming Event
Trump, Tariffs and Trade Wars | The Capital Cable #106
All Korea Chair Content
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Reimagining the G7
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Victor Cha — June 13, 2024

The G7 Puglia Summit: Expectations & Outcomes
Event — June 12, 2024
"Bending" the Architecture: Reimagining the G7
Report by John J. Hamre, Victor Cha, Emily Benson, Max Bergmann, Erin L. Murphy, and Caitlin Welsh — June 12, 2024
The Impossible State Live Podcast: Special Discussion with Ambassador Philip Goldberg
Event — June 11, 2024
U.S.-ROK Bilateral Dialogue for Strengthening U.S.-ROK Alliance
Event — June 10, 2024
Changes at North Korean Missile Operating Bases: Part 1
Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — June 10, 2024
South Korea and Japan Cement Bilateral Security Ties
Commentary by Christopher B. Johnstone and Victor Cha — June 4, 2024
South Korea and Japan Cement Bilateral Security Ties
Podcast Episode by Christopher B. Johnstone and Victor Cha — June 4, 2024

The Axis of Upheaval: Capital Cable #95
Event — May 30, 2024
Another Failed Satellite Launch at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station
Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — May 28, 2024