Mason Korea's Center for Security Policy Studies Korea (CSPS-Korea) recently hosted its annual symposium on the theme "The Challenges of New Technologies and the Future of the ROK-US Alliance."
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the US-ROK alliance, the symposium focused on addressing pressing challenges posed by critical and emerging technologies (CETs), great power politics, and the global polycrisis.
Dr. Soyoung Kwon, Director of CSPS-Korea, opened the symposium with a concept note speech, stating, "This timely event seeks to navigate the challenges and opportunities of this transformative era, while exploring non-traditional security issues that are increasingly important in the region and globally."
The session featured four security experts from the US and South Korea, who discussed collaborative strategies and coordination for technological innovation in the face of increasing competition for new technologies, such as AI and machine learning. Over 120 participants attended the session.
Dr. Jungmi Cha, Director of the Center for International Strategies at the National Assembly Futures Institute, delivered a presentation on the US-China tech rivalry, emphasizing the critical juncture at which technological innovation currently stands, and the need for peaceful and constructive paths forward.
Addressing the implications of China, Taiwan, and AI for Northeast Asia and the US-ROK alliance, Mr. Mike Paluba, Deputy Special Advisor for International Relations at the United States Forces, highlighted the non-negotiable intent of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Leadership to reunify Taiwan with the mainland.
Dr. Soohoon Lee, Associate Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, drew attention to North Korea's growing disinformation activities and explored the threat posed by DeepFake technology—a tool that utilizes AI to create falsified audio and videos, impacting national security and international relations.
Focusing on "integrated deterrence and the Kill Web in Northeast Asia," Dr. Daniel Pinkston, Lecturer in International Relations at Troy University, proposed ideal responses by South Korea to provocations from North Korea. He emphasized the importance of enhancing Korea's position as a critical partner in the alliance and strengthening international security cooperation with like-minded partners, rather than pursuing its own nuclear deterrent.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session between participants and the panelists.
May 26, 2023
