[By Hee-na Oh, Edaily] As strategic competition between the U.S. and China transcends military and diplomatic boundaries to infiltrate finance, advanced technology, and global supply chains, fractures in the global order are becoming increasingly evident. In a climate where protectionism and “America First” policies are resurging and global capital flows are becoming politicized, nations find themselves at a critical crossroads. At this pivotal turning point, leading scholars from Korea and abroad will gather to explore survival strategies for Korea.

Edaily will host the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum from June 16 to 17 at the Dynasty Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, under the theme: “The Age of Power: Who Designs the New World?” This year‘s forum will focus on the structural shifts occurring as security, finance, and technological hegemony are simultaneously realigned amidst the U.S.-China rivalry and the “Monroe Doctrine”-inspired wave of American-first policies. The event aims to provide a multi-dimensional assessment of the risks and opportunities facing Korea in an era where uncertainty has become the new constant, offering practical and actionable response strategies.

The forum will open with a keynote address by John Hamre, President of CSIS, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading think tanks. He is expected to analyze how U.S.-China competition is extending beyond military domains into financial systems and critical technologies, and to present a macro-level strategic direction for middle powers like Korea to secure strategic autonomy under mounting geopolitical pressure.

The second day will center on solutions for sustaining Korea‘s economic growth momentum in a global environment increasingly defined by isolationism and de-globalization. Rexon Ryu, former Director for Nonproliferation at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) and current CEO of The Asia Group, will outline a blueprint for evolving global security and defense strategies in an era of self-reliance, emphasizing technology- and industry-driven defense capabilities. Noreena Hertz, Honorary Professor at University College London (UCL) and author of the bestseller “The Lonely Century”, will highlight the structural risks posed by deepening polarization and anti-globalization trends, suggesting a new “survival grammar” for both nations and corporations in an increasingly fragmented world. Following her session, she will engage in a dialogue with Professor Jiyoon Kim, Professor at Yonsei University’s East-West Center, to derive specific policy responses.



The forum will also feature sessions on the reorganization of global capital flows and the financial order. Thorsten Beck, Professor at the European University Institute, and Kwanho Shin, President of the Korea Money and Finance Association, will analyze shifts in capital movement and structural transformations in financial systems caused by intensifying geopolitical competition. Of particular note is a session featuring James Kim, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), and Kisoon Park, Professor of Graduate School of China, Sungkyunkwan University(SKKU). Together, they will share insights into the strategies of U.S. and Chinese firms within the Korean market and the future direction of supply chain restructuring. This session is expected to provide a rare opportunity to hear directly about the strategic value of the Korean market from the perspectives of both superpowers.

Additional speakers include Alan Auerbach, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley; Young Lee, President of the Korea Institute of Public Finance; and Andrew Levin, Professor at Dartmouth College. These distinguished experts will present sustainable fiscal and financial policy strategies for this high-uncertainty era.

Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Edaily Strategic Forum has consistently brought together global scholars and policymakers to analyze trends in the world economy and propose strategic responses for Korea. Moving beyond mere diagnosis, this year‘s forum will serve as a venue for generating practical policy alternatives and conducting a comprehensive examination of Korea’s survival strategy in the midst of clashing hegemonies.

● Date: Tuesday, June 16 - Wednesday, June 17, 2026

● Venue: Dynasty Hall, The Shilla Seoul

● Host: Edaily

● Partners: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Policy Evaluation Research Institute (PERI), The Asia Group (TAG)

● Inquiries: Edaily Strategy Forum Secretariat