In an Era Dominated by 'Power Politics'… Capability to Enforce National Interests Need...

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In an Era Dominated by ‘Power Politics’… Capability to Enforce National Interests Needed

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17th Edaily Strategy Forum Opens at Seoul Shilla Hotel

John Hamre, CSIS Delivers First-Day Keynote Speech

Presents Survival Strategies in the Supply Chain Restructuring Era

Rexon Ryu Outlines “Global Security and Defense Strategies”

Professor Hertz Offers Insights from “The Lonely Century”

[Edaily Hee-na Oh, Edaily] “As the international order regresses into great-power politics dominated by the ‘logic of power,’ securing ‘strategic autonomy’ that integrates national security, domestic industry, supply chains, and technological leadership has emerged as the core task for national survival.”

Dr. John J. Hamre, CEO Emeritus of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading expert on U.S. diplomacy, national security, and defense budgeting who led the world-renowned think tank for the past 26 years, made the above remarks, emphasizing that Korea must adopt new survival strategies as a pivotal global player in an increasingly fragmented world.

Edaily will host the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum from June 16 to 17 at the Dynasty Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, under the theme “The Age of Power, Recasting Civilization : Who Designs the New World?” John Hamre, CEO Emeritus and langone Chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), delivering a keynote speech. (Photo=Edaily DB)

The 17th EDaily Strategy Forum (ESF 2026) officially will take place today on June 16-17 at the Dynasty Hall of The Shilla Seoul, under the theme: “”The Age of Power, Recasting Civilization : Who Designs the New World?“” Against the backdrop of escalating U.S.-China strategic rivalry and rising uncertainty from the U.S.-Iran military war, the forum will provide an in-depth analysis of the major turning points facing Korean society and identify opportunities within the crisis.

More than 20 global scholars as well as experts from politics, government, and academia will gather to discuss how countries can move beyond merely adapting to change and instead actively designing the direction of that change.

As the opening keynote speaker, Dr. Hamre will present his vision for Korea‘s survival strategy in an era defined by supply-chain restructuring.

Hamre diagnoses the current turmoil as “the result of the politics of power resurfacing,” and states that “while maintaining alliances, Korea needs the capability to proactively reflect its strategic interests in the process of reshaping international norms and industrial order.”

Delivering the second day’s keynote address, Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group and former Director for Nonproliferation at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), will argue that ‘economic security’ has become the cornerstone of strategic autonomy. “Supply chains are no longer merely logistical networks; they have become strategic instruments that directly influence national competitiveness and national security,” he explains. “We must strengthen strategic autonomy by leveraging butting-edge technologies and manufacturing capabilities.” Ryu characterizes today‘s technological competition not simply as a trade dispute, but as a ’comprehensive hegemony war.‘ With export controls, investment restrictions, and technology barriers emerging simultaneously, he argues that nations must fundamentally redesign their industrial strategies.

In the subsequent keynote session, world-renowned scholar Noreena Hertz, Professor Emeritus at University College London, will argue that “in an era where even the U.S. treats alliances transactionally, the strongest nations are those with diverse options.” Her remarks are expected to underscore the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening self-reliance in critical industries. Ji-yoon Kim, Visiting Professor of Institute of East and West Studies at Yonsei University, will diagnose that “Korea is now at a critical inflection point” and advise that “while maintaining cooperation with China, Korea must clearly define its strategic direction on which side it stands.”

In addition, James Kim, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, and Ki-soon Park, former President of Samsung Economic Research Institute China, will share the stage to break down how Western and Chinese multinationals view the Korean market’s intrinsic value and risk-management viability amid supply chain shocks. Leading experts and scholars including Professor Alan Auerbach of UC Berkeley, Professor Andrew Levin of Dartmouth College, Young Lee of The Korea Institute of Public Finance (KIPF), National Assembly members In-cheol Cho and Soo-min Park, Jin-il Kim of the Bank of Korea Monetary Policy Board, Cynyoung Park Director of the SEACEN Centre, Il-ho Yoo of former Deputy Prime Minister, Young-Jun Chun Former President, The Korean Association of Public Finance (KAPF), Yoon-jae Cho Former Member of the Monetary Policy Board, Bank of Korea, and Professor Dong-hyun Ahn of Seoul National University will gather to explore survival strategies for navigating this era of chaos.

John Hamre and Rexon Ryu Lead Gathering of Global Scholars… Navigating Korea’s Survival Strategy Amid Clashing Hegemonies