The Impossible State

In this episode, Andrew Schwartz, Victor Cha, and distinguished guests discuss the Kremlin's motivations, the potential impacts on the battlefield in Ukraine, what North Korea is likely to receive in return, how Beijing may perceive this development, and more.

Duyeon Kim, an expert in Northeast Asia and nuclear policy, and Sydney Seiler, a former U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, dive deep into the intricate web of North Korea's military ties with Russia. They discuss North Korea's provocative actions, from sending troops to blow up inter-Korean roads, and analyze the broader implications for regional stability and U.S.-South Korean relations. The conversation also touches on Kim Jong-un's confidence in aggressive tactics, drawing parallels with current global tensions.

In this episode, Andrew Schwartz and Victor Cha discuss Dr. Victor Cha's new book, The Black Box: Demystifying the Study of Korean Unification and North Korea.

Dr. Cha, an expert on North Korean affairs, and Mr. Bruce Klingner, a specialist in military and political strategies, dive into pressing issues regarding North Korea. They explore the complexities of missile deployments and the dynamics of Kim Jong-un's potential succession involving his daughter. Unconventional tactics like balloon launches are highlighted, alongside concerns about arms shipments to Russia. They also examine North Korea's submarine capabilities and the implications for U.S.-North Korea relations amidst shifting political landscapes.

In this episode, Dr. Cha and distinguished speakers discuss the significance of the Putin-Kim summit, the strengthening Russia-North Korea alliance, the implications of this alliance for regional and global security and why the Russia-North Korea alliance is a threat like no other.

Dr. Victor Cha discusses Putin's visit to Pyongyang and the Mutual Defense Treaty between Russia and North Korea, posing a significant threat to US national security. The podcast explores the implications for the US, its allies, and China, as well as the strategic moves in East Asia and Southeast Asia in response to recent developments.

Ambassador Philip Goldberg discusses the U.S.-ROK alliance, North Korea's provocations, and regional developments. Topics include embassy sizes, challenges in Asia-Pacific, and recent events in North Korea like missile launches and ties with Russia.

This bonus episode is from Breaking Bad: South Korea's Nuclear Option Report Rollout Event on April 29, 2024. Dr. Victor Cha, Senior Vice President for Asia and Korea Chair, conducted the first U.S. multi-question polling of strategic elites in South Korea on the nuclear question. The new findings of this study “Breaking Bad: South Korea's Nuclear Option” have significant policy implications and the author provides several recommendations for the United States. 

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha is joined by Dr. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, professor at King's College London, KF-VUB Korea Chair, and adjunct fellow of Korea Chair at CSIS, to discuss the National Assembly election results, how the election will affect President Yoon's foreign policy, and what the outlook is moving forward.

Dr. Jung Pak, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands and the U.S. senior official for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, discusses Biden administration's North Korea policy, DPRK-Russia cooperation, and what to expect from North Korea in 2024. They explore the intricacies of engaging with North Korea, balancing sanctions and dialogue, and navigating diplomatic challenges in the upcoming year.