Several researchers from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs traveled to South Korea in October to brief the country’s policymakers, business leaders, and scholars on critical political and economic issues in the context of U.S.-South Korea relations and the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The eight-day trip was sponsored by the School’s Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance and hosted by Niehaus Director Helen V. Milner, the B.C. Forbes Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University, and Hye Young You, an associate professor of politics and public affairs.
The participants visited Seoul and Jeju Island, off the country’s southern coast. With the global impact of the U.S. elections and policies serving as a backdrop, they engaged in a variety of thought-provoking academic discussions, cultural excursions, and high-level meetings with government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts.
“These activities provided valuable insights into the U.S.-South Korea relationship, the implications of American politics for East Asia, and the region’s evolving challenges and opportunities,” You said.
At Seoul National University (SNU), leading Korean experts spoke on topics such as the country’s demographic shifts, North Korea’s economic outlook, and the dynamic cultural and political landscape within South Korea. Young-kwan Yoon, a former minister of foreign affairs, delivered a keynote on the significance of U.S. politics in shaping East Asia’s geopolitical dynamics within an evolving regional context.
Panel discussions at the National Assembly included Milner and her Princeton SPIA colleagues Frances E. Lee, a professor of politics and public affairs, and Nolan McCarty, the Susan Dod Brown Professor of Politics and Public Affairs. At the Federation of Korean Industries, You co-led a roundtable focusing on the outlook for Korean businesses within an evolving geopolitical landscape.
During a visit to Samsung Electronics, McCarty, You, and the School’s Layna Mosley, a professor of politics and international affairs, discussed the importance for globally operating businesses to understand international political trends, particularly in an era marked by rising economic nationalism. An alumni dinner gave some 40 Princeton graduates living in South Korea the chance to network and hear from the SPIA faculty members.
The trip concluded with a series of sessions on Jeju Island with the Korean Political Science Association. Topics included U.S. foreign policy, democracy, public opinion, and emerging global challenges such as climate change.
Reflecting on the trip, participants noted the intellectual and cultural rigor of the experience.
“From engaging with Korea’s political and business leaders to exploring the country’s rich heritage, the delegation gained invaluable insights that will inform ongoing research and dialogue at the Niehaus Center,” You said. “This journey not only strengthened ties between Princeton and South Korea but also underscored the importance of connecting domestic and international politics in navigating an increasingly interconnected world.”
