National Identity Affirmation and Trust in Korea, Japan, and China - 2022 Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture with Eunbin Chung

November 28, 2022 - Join us for the Sixth Annual Sherman Family Korea Emerging Scholar Lecture! Eunbin Chung, Assistant Professor at the University of Utah and the 2022 Sherman Family Korea Scholar Lecture awardee, will address National Identity Affirmation and Trust in Korea, Japan, and China from a unique perspective. Legacies of conflict and distrust have made it difficult for East Asian countries to form regional institutions and overcome security dilemmas. Chung's research questions two conventional wisdoms related to these regional dynamics: 1) that distrust among states can be overcome through cultural convergence and appealing to a shared identity (such as the "European" identity developed through the creation of the EU) and 2) that strong, inward-focused national identities exacerbate inter-state distrust and conflict. Chung asks, Is this true? Do distinct national identities really impede international trust?

Chung’s research advances the concept that trust not only can be built among nations when each affirms its own distinctive identity, but that this approach may be more effective than embracing common identities across different countries. Dr. Katrin Katz, the inaugural Sherman Family Lecture Award recipient and Van Fleet Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Society, describes Chung’s argument as “breaking new ground in tackling some prevailing beliefs regarding the relationship between national identity and levels of inter-state trust and conflict. Dr. Chung's work entails a hopeful message for East Asia and beyond: that emphasizing the favorable and distinctive traits of one's own country need not lead to antagonistic relations with neighbors.”

Come hear more about Chung’s fascinating research on advancing productive dialogue in the region. Aram Hur, Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri and our 2021 Sherman Family Lecture, awardee will introduce the lecture.

The annual Sherman Family award and lecture, now in its sixth year, aims to grow U.S. thought leadership on Korea for a new generation. The award is presented across disciplines and to emerging thought leaders, from doctoral candidates to junior professors and respective research or non-profit professionals. The award is made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Sherman and family. You can view the presentations of former award winners at the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1392-2020-korea-emerging-scholar-lecture-awardee-announced

Video version of this lecture with presentation slides can be seen at the link below: https://youtu.be/CvgZgVYTMt0

For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1627-sherman-family-korea-emerging-scholar-lecture-2022