It’s Not Just Over There: The American Commitment to the Korean Peninsula
Amidst COVID-19 and its fallout, policymakers are confronted with newly emergent issues alongside preexisting ones. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Korean Peninsula.
As the pandemic spreads, US-DPRK talks remain stalled, inter-Korean relations persist as mostly one-sided, and North Korea has continued to test and refine its military capabilities as well as ratchet up its rhetoric. Furthermore, COVID-19 has intensified a growing US-China strategic competition which enhances the importance of democratic allies such as South Korea. Simply put, US involvement on the Korean Peninsula remains as deep as it has ever been.
The Stimson Center and Stimson’s 38 North program, working with the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, present a webinar to discuss the importance of the US commitment to the Korean Peninsula. Moderated by Dr. Clint Work, a Stimson Fellow, the webinar offers a virtual conversation with featured speaker, Gen. (Ret.) Curtis M. Scaparrotti, former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and Commander, US European Command (2016-2019) and Commander, US Forces Korea (2013-2016). Based on Gen. (Ret.) Scaparrotti’s extensive experience and expertise, the webinar will offer informed commentary and engage audience members on the importance of the US relationship with the Korean Peninsula.
From a decades-old military alliance to deep economic ties and a large and vibrant Korean-American community, the linkages between the United States and Korea remain as important as ever.
Program Partner
WACC Distinguished Speaker Panel
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Biography
Gen. (Ret.) Curtis M. Scaparrotti: In 2019, General Curtis “Mike” Scaparrotti completed a distinguished 41-year career in the US Army as the Commander, US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO. Prior to General Scaparrotti’s leadership position at NATO and US European Command, General Scaparrotti served as the Commander of US Forces Korea / United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command in Seoul, South Korea from 2013 to 2016. He has also served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, the Deputy Commander of US Forces – Afghanistan, the Commanding General of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division. Additionally, over the years, General Scaparrotti served in key leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic level of the United States military. These positions have included Director of Operations at US Central Command, and the 69th Commandant of Cadets at the US Military Academy at West Point. He has commanded forces during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Support Hope (Zaire/Rwanda), Joint Endeavor (Bosnia-Herzegovina), and Assured Response (Liberia). General Scaparrotti’s awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Army Meritorious Service Medal. Additionally, he has earned the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. General Scaparrotti graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1978. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and the US Army War College. Additionally, General Scaparrotti holds a Master’s degree in Administrative Education from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Clint Work: Dr. Work is a Fellow with the Henry L. Stimson Center, appointed to its Security for a New Century program and 38 North. In this capacity, he leads congressional engagement on Korean peace and security issues and engages in various research projects centered on US-DPRK relations and the US-ROK alliance. Prior to joining Stimson, he was an assistant professor at the University of Utah’s Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea, where he taught courses on the Korean War and International Relations. He holds a Doctorate in International Studies from the University of Washington, a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Chicago, and a BA in Political Science and Philosophy from Boston College. His Ph.D. work centered on US-Korea relations and President Jimmy Carter’s failed withdrawal of US combat forces from South Korea. In addition to his academic publications, he has written for popular media, including the Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Diplomat Magazine, 38 North, and Sino-NK. He has presented on US-Korea relations in both public and academic fora as well as briefed congressional staff on a bipartisan basis.