The Virtual Alliance

• Session: Session V / Pavilion (Ronald Reagan Building)
• Date/Time: June 25, 2013 / 15:20-16:30

Panel Description

The United States finds itself in a difficult position when it comes to relations between South Korea and Japan. While it would certainly like to see cooperation between these neighbors improve, historical disagreements and territorial disputes continue to shape relations between these three countries. Tensions are fanned by actions of both the Japanese and Korean governments as well as by the major reorganization of the region that is now underway. At this point, experts wonder whether these two nation-states have reached an impasse. Throughout this ordeal, the United States continues to stay above the fray in hopes that tensions will ease with time. However, is this simply wishful thinking? With a resurgent Japan and an increasingly confident Korea, the likelihood of a dramatic détente is becoming increasingly unlikely.