South Korea: A conversation with Scott Snyder, Senior Fellow for Korea Studies At The Council On Foreign Relations

In his most recent book, South Korea at the Crossroads, Autonomy and Alliance in an Era of Rival Powers, Scott Snyder charts a course for America and South Korea in the years ahead. In this episode of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team member Lincoln Smith interviews Snyder about the essentials of his new work, which spotlights South Korea’s complex relationships with both the United States and China. Interpretive and in-depth, the book also explores South Korea’s significance as a nation, seemingly possessing an often conflicting desire to be independent, yet maintaining a deep need for faithful allies. What will South Korean President Moon Jae-In ’s approach be towards North Korea in the months ahead? Will the people of South Korea seek a tougher stance toward North Korea? Can President Jae-In successfully balance his nation’s relationship with the United States and China, both multi-billion dollar trading partners of South Korea? Mr. Snyder discusses key themes in his book, which includes an overarching advocacy for a continued strong relationship between the United States and South Korea, now allies for over four decades.