Sleepwalking into World War III, a presentation by Dr. Yangmo Ku

Presentation Summary

Exploring the Turbulent International Order:
A History Presentation with Yangmo Ku, Phd.
The world is currently navigating its most dangerous phase since the end of the Cold War. The Russia-Ukraine War, which began in February 2022, has heightened global instability, with numerous crises escalating simultaneously. As Western nations boost military support for Ukraine, the risk of Russia using nuclear weapons increases, raising the possibility of the conflict spreading across Europe. A Russian victory in Ukraine, potentially facilitated by an agreement under the Trump administration, might embolden China to launch an invasion of Taiwan in the future. Similarly, an intensification of the Israel-Iran conflict might further destabilize the Middle East, shaking the global balance. A potential war on the Korean Peninsula could involve major powers like the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan, escalating into a worldwide conflict. Alongside these security threats, the economic protectionism and transactional approach to alliances anticipated under the second Trump administration could further complicate the international system. This presentation will delve into these global challenges and explore the potential trajectory of the international order under the second Trump administration.

An introduction to our presenter and his work:
Dr. Yangmo Ku is Associate Professor of Political Science and Associate Director of the Peace and War Center (PAWC) at Norwich University. He received his B.A. in German language and literature from Sogang University and earned his M.A. in international affairs and Ph.D. in political science from George Washington University. He previously taught in the School of International Service at American University. Dr. Ku’s research focus lies in North/South Korean politics, East Asian security, US foreign policy, and the politics of memory and reconciliation in East Asia and Europe. His coauthored book, titled Politics in North and South Korea: Political Development, Economy, and Foreign Relations, was published by Routledge in 2018. He is currently working on a book project, titled Nuclear North Korea: Analyzing Complexities and Exploring Coping Strategies. He serves as founding Editor of a peer-reviewed journal, titled the Journal of Peace and War Studies, and co-editor of PAWC’s forum—Voices on Peace and War. His previous research has also appeared in numerous journals, including the Journal of East Asian Studies, Asian Perspective, Pacific Focus, Korean Journal of International Studies, Asian Journal of Peacebuilding, and the Yale Journal of International Affairs. He has been invited to give intensive lectures on North Korean nuclear issues and the politics of the Korean Peninsula to US federal government officials in Washington DC and Hawaii. 

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