Cooperative Perspectives on Human Rights and Protest Culture
In this roundtable, we will explore how the historical contexts and political systems of South Korea and the United States have shaped their respective approaches to human rights activism and protest culture. Both nations have a long history of social movements addressing inequality, injustice, and political oppression. However, the forces that drive these movements are deeply rooted in each country’s unique historical, social, and political landscape.
This roundtable will delve into the similarities and differences in how social movements mobilize in these two nations, including the role of civil society, government response, and international influences. By examining both nations’ approaches, we hope to understand better how human rights activism functions across different political and cultural contexts, and how these movements can inform global strategies for effecting change.
How have historical contexts and political systems in South Korea and the U.S. shaped their approaches to human rights activism and protest culture? What similarities and differences can be observed in how social movements mobilize to effect change?
Art & Identity
This roundtable will dive into the powerful intersection of identity, race, and culture as expressed through art, media, and literature. We will explore how communities, especially the Korean American and broader Asian American experiences, use art as a medium to portray the hidden, often unspoken sides of life. From graffiti to experimental media, banned books to historical texts, discuss how these expressions of identity offer a platform to explore the struggles, cultural nuances, and the racialized experience in ways that may challenge or reinforce mainstream narratives. Participants are invited to discuss how art can serve as both a personal reflection and a collective voice for one’s identities, while also considering the ways art shapes and reshapes public perceptions of race and culture. This session will offer an open dialogue on the role of creative expression in navigating issues of belonging, representation, and the reclamation of identity.
How can art serve as a bridge between individual experiences and broader community narratives? How can identity be constructed by media and other art forms an individual consumes? Consider the significance of non-mainstream spaces in empowering artists to express marginalized experiences
Economy & Trade
A country’s development is closely tied to its economy and trade. In this roundtable, we will discuss the economic situation and issues with trade in the United States and South Korea, focusing on how these have influenced the relationship between the two nations thus far. At the same time, discussions will be held about what impact it is likely to have in the future and how it should be solved.
This roundtable will also explore trade across various sectors and consider the positions taken by businesses in each country, beyond the regulations of the governments. Additionally, we aim to discuss the pros and cons of the current situation, seeking to find reasonable solutions to overcome challenges or foster development in the field.
- What is a current issue between the ROK and the U.S. related to economy and trade that has interested you. How do you expect it to affect the future relationship between the ROK and the U.S.?
- How will the presidential election this year (2024) in the U.S. impact global issues of the economy and specifically how will these changes influence ROK-U.S. relations?
- How would you best describe the current economic and trade relationship between the ROK and the U.S.?
Politics & Technology
The relationship between politics and technology is reshaping how governments interact and engage with their citizens and the world. Technology now plays a pivotal role in political campaigns, policy-making, and global diplomacy. Social media allows leaders to communicate directly with the public, but it also fuels misinformation and disinformation. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are influencing both domestic governance and global power dynamics, raising ethical concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the misuse of technology.
On the international stage, technology has become a tool for both collaboration and competition. Cyberattacks, election interference, and digital espionage have emerged as new challenges in global relations, while technological innovations like 5G and AI development are influencing global power structures. As countries compete for technological dominance, the digital divide between nations also becomes a critical issue in global politics.
How has technology influenced political campaigns, elections, and governance?
– What role does technology play in shaping domestic politics and international relations?
– How does digital surveillance impact citizens’ privacy and global diplomacy?
– How can nations address cybersecurity threats without infringing on civil liberties?
What are the global implications of the digital divide in political participation and influence?
The Environment and Climate Change
In the Environment and Climate Change roundtable, participants will explore the critical collaboration, as well as new areas for collaboration, between the U.S. and South Korea (ROK) in addressing global environmental challenges. Both nations have a history of working together on climate-related issues, from clean energy innovation to policy coordination on emissions reductions. As the climate crisis intensifies, this partnership has become even more essential, focusing on the development of sustainable solutions and reducing environmental impact across industries.
During the discussions, delegates will identify a pressing environmental or climate issue and propose policy recommendations to advance solutions. Potential topics include renewable energy deployment, climate resilience, carbon capture technologies, reforestation efforts, and sustainable infrastructure development. By leveraging the expertise of both countries, the goal is to promote actionable steps toward mitigating climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
- What are some current efforts to address climate change that the US and ROK have put into action? Have these efforts been effective in mitigating climate change?
- What are the reasons for which the US and ROK might have interest in further collaboration to address climate change? What is their role on a global scale?
- Other than the environment, what other aspects of life or society might also affect how we decide to move forward with policy? How do the economic aspects of different technologies affect how we might approach them?