AUKUS, South Korea, and the Future of Indo-Pacific Security | Ep. 8

Former Pentagon official Abraham Denmark joins the show to unpack the strategic future of AUKUS and what it means for South Korea. Drawing on his prominent role in the partnership’s rollout, Abraham explains why AUKUS is more than submarines — and how the pact’s second pillar, focused on advanced technologies like AI, cyber, and quantum, opens new doors for broader U.S. ally participation.

We discuss what it would take for South Korea to collaborate more deeply on defense innovation, why shipbuilding and uncrewed systems are rising priorities, and how Seoul can position itself in a changing Indo-Pacific defense landscape. Denmark also shares insights on the challenge of adapting to a potentially transactional U.S. foreign policy, and why steady engagement will be key in a second Trump administration.

Other topics include: foreign military sales reform, the growing strategic role of South Korea’s defense industry, and what a values-based alliance really looks like in an era of shifting geopolitics.

Mr. Abraham M. Denmark is a Partner at The Asia Group (TAG), where he co-leads the Defense & National Security Practice and supports multiple country teams across TAG. With over 20 years of experience inside and outside of government, Mr. Denmark is a leading specialist in the security and geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and on U.S. strategy and policy toward the region. Mr. Denmark most recently served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III (2022-2024). In this role, Mr. Denmark led and coordinated the Department of Defense’s efforts to develop and implement the historic AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom. Like and subscribe to the Korea Economic Institute of America on YouTube for more U.S.-South Korea news, analysis, politics and more!

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