Korea Forum

To Mark the IISS 50th Anniversary and the Inauguration of the Asan Institute

 Korea in the Emerging Asian Power Balance 

The Korea Forum marked the 50th Anniversary of the IISS and the Inauguration of AIPS and was held in Seoul on 26-28 September 2008 on the theme of ‘Korea in the Emerging Asian Power Balance’.

At a time of political transition in Korea and several of its major partners, along with dynamic changes in the regional and global security environment, the IISS Korea Forum provided a comprehensive strategic assessment of Korea’s key bilateral relationships and the nation’s role in regional and global security. The Forum also discussed the challenges and opportunities confronting the Six Party Talks and how they might evolve in the longer term into a durable framework for Northeast Asia regional security.

The Forum opened with a dinner and major key note address, followed by a day and a half of plenary sessions interspaced by lunch and dinner presentations. The Forum included a mix of authoritative policy addresses by leaders and focused policy-oriented discussion by practitioners. This exclusive conference brought together 80 leaders of government, business, academia, policy, media and the armed forces from Korea and the world, sharing perspectives and exchanging ideas.

In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the London-based IISS, the event marked the launching of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies as a new window to the world for Korea in foreign and global affairs. 

About the Asan Institute

The Asan Institute for Policy Studies (AIPS) was established on 1 February 2008 in commemoration of the late Chung Ju-Yung, the Founder of Hyundai Group. Mr. Chung, also known as Asan, after the name of his hometown in east-central Korea, was a global businessman who devoted his life to promoting the well-being of the Republic of Korea as well as peace and prosperity throughout the world.

As relations among states and societies have become increasingly complex, the Asan Institute was founded upon the premise that contributing to the common interests of the global village is a necessary part of promoting both one’s own national interest and its wellbeing.

The Asan Institute, therefore, plans to devote its resources and energy to fostering a global environment conducive to peace, unification, and the prosperity of the Korean peninsula, and also to improving human security in the world by promoting the well-being of individuals and societies through contemplation of issues concerning the environment, human rights, energy, disease, hunger, and terrorism.

The Asan Institute, which is an independent, non-profit organization, is headed by Dr. Han Sung-Joo, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, who serves as its Chairman of the Board.

About the IISS

The IISS, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the primary source of accurate, objective information on international strategic issues for politicians, foreign affairs analysts, business, economists, the military, the media, academics and the informed public. The Institute is independent, owing no allegiance to any governments or any political or other organisations. The IISS stresses rigorous research with a forward-looking policy orientation and places particular emphasis on bringing new perspectives to the strategic debate.

IISS publications include the authoritative annual The Military Balance, an inventory of the world’s armed forces; the online Armed Conflict Database; Strategic Survey, an annual retrospective of the year’s political and military trends; the Adelphi Paper monograph series which provides in-depth analysis of general strategic issues; Survival, an international relations journal; Strategic Comments, containing short briefings on breaking strategic issues;  and occasional Dossiers providing facts and information on key military and strategic issues.

The IISS while based in London is international in scope, character and perspective and enjoys unique convening power. It brings together annually defence ministers, foreign ministers and national security advisers in various formats privately, and more publicly, to discuss and shape international security policy. It holds influential events each year in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia and frequently engages leaders from Latin America and Africa. The IISS is truly a global organisation.