Session: Emerging Security Issues: Space, Cyber and New Challenges
Date/Time: May 14, 2024 / 13:30-14:45

Rapporteur:
Yujin Son, Intern at UNDP Seoul Policy Centre

Moderator:
Lee Chung Min, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Speakers:
Jeanne Choi, U.S. Department of State
Michael Cunningham, The Heritage Foundation
Peter Dean, University of Sydney
Diana Myers, Former Fellow, RAND Corporation
Yang Uk, The Asan Institute for Policy Studies

Session Sketch:

Session 2-2 of the 2024 Asan Plenum, titled “Emerging Security Issues: Space, Cyber and New Challenges,” reflected on the shifting paradigms of security in Asia. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving geopolitical landscapes, the traditional notions of peace and security in Asia have undergone a profound transformation. The emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor innovations has reshaped the contours of security discourse. Moreover, the proliferation of new domains like space, cyber, and renewable energy has expanded the arena within which states navigate their security concerns.

Dr. Lee Chung Min, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C., moderated the session with experts from various sectors. He opened the discussion by noting that the theme of the session was both broad and critical, touching on emerging security issues including space, cyber, and new challenges such as drones, robots, and AI.

Dr. Jeanne Choi, Energy Analyst in the Office of Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy in the U.S. Department of State, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing emerging security issues, particularly in renewable energy supply chains dominated by China. She highlighted the complexity and time required to de-risk and diversify these supply chains, citing Japan’s efforts post-2010 as an example. Dr. Choi discussed the risks of geographic concentration, noting potential disruptions from both intentional and natural causes. She referenced industrial policies like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the European Union’s Net Zero Industrial Act as measures to secure supply chains and promote green growth. Despite the challenges, Dr. Choi expressed optimism about international collaboration, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation among allies to develop effective policies and investments for future security.

Mr. Michael Cunningham, Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, discussed potential U.S. policy approaches to space and cyber security under different administrations, noting that the Space Force was a creation of the Trump administration. He emphasized that future policies would largely depend on the advisors in place. Regarding China, Mr. Cunningham highlighted the warfighting platforms focus on mastering new technologies despite not being fully ready for “Star Wars” type conflicts. He pointed out that China, like other nations, engages in low-level “gray zone” tactics, such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, which are cost-effective and difficult to counter. Mr. Cunningham stressed the need for the U.S. to address these gray zone activities through enhanced military planning, maintaining traditional military capabilities, drawing clear lines of response, and developing international rules and norms to manage such tactics.

Prof. Peter Dean, Director of Foreign Policy and Defence at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, discussed Australia’s role in the AUKUS pact and its strategic importance to the U.S. and its allies. Prof. Dean highlighted that AUKUS focuses on key technological areas where the involved countries aim to maintain or gain competitive advantages. He emphasized Australia’s advanced autonomous systems, such as the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark, and the significant role of Australian universities in research and development. He pointed out that Australia’s commitment to conventionally armed submarines and alliance capacity is critical to U.S. strategy. Prof. Dean also underscored Australia’s contributions to space-based capabilities and critical minerals, stressing the importance of cyber capabilities in modern warfare. He noted that despite constant cyberattacks, the appropriate conventional military response to such attacks remains an unresolved issue, highlighting the complex nature of cyber warfare.

Dr. Diana Myers, Former Fellow at the RAND Corporation, discussed the importance of trust and collaboration among U.S. allies in intelligence sharing, especially between South Korea and the U.S. She emphasized that despite political fluctuations, the alliance between the two countries remains strong and essential for regional security. Dr. Myers viewed positively the expansion of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to include more partners like Japan and South Korea, enhancing cooperative security efforts. She highlighted the challenges posed by non-kinetic threats, such as information warfare, and demographic shifts impacting military conscription in Northeast Asia. Dr. Myers called for creative, ethical policy solutions to address these issues without compromising democratic values, contrasting with the more totalitarian approaches seen in other regions.

Dr. Yang Uk, Research Fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, provided insights into South Korea’s space capabilities and cybersecurity challenges. He expressed skepticism about South Korea’s ability to become a critical player in space due to past priorities focused on strike weapons and the lack of a reliable network for space surveillance. Despite advancements in other areas like industrial technology, Dr. Yang emphasized the need for a robust space network to monitor North Korea effectively. Regarding cybersecurity, he highlighted the importance of individual vigilance and raised concerns about vulnerabilities, citing incidents of hacking even within the South Korean military. While acknowledging efforts to enhance cybersecurity, Dr. Yang underscored the need for greater investment and emphasized the cost-risk balance in securing digital infrastructure.
* The views expressed herein are summaries written by rapporteurs and may not necessarily reflect the views of the speakers, their affiliated institutions, or the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.