The Asia Security Initiative Research Center at the East Asia Institute invited Professor David C. Kang (University of Southern California) for Smart Q&A where he answered a series of questions on the main challenges for East Asia. David C. Kang is Professor at the University of Southern California, with appointments in both the School of International Relations and the Marshall School of Business. At USC he is also director of the Korean Studies Institute. Kang’s latest book is East Asia Before the West: Five Centuries of Trade and Tribute (Columbia University Press, 2010).

Smart Q&A is an interview with the presenter of the Smart Talk, a seminar of the East Asia Institute providing opportunities for leading scholars in Korea to meet and engage with prominent figures from around the world. By posing more specific, focused, and policy-oriented questions, Smart Q&A will facilitate a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and generate creative ideas and strategies for dealing with them.

Interviewee

David C. Kang, University of Southern California

Questions

1) The Challenge of China’s Rise

The rise of China brings with it many challenges and the potential for change in the regional landscape. As China rises, what kind of impact will it have on the current security architecture in East Asia? If we are to see a hierarchical order emerge, what will be the impact on the position of the United States in Asia?

2) Maritime Disputes in East Asia

Maritime disputes, particularly in the South China Sea have become a major source of conflict in East Asia. Recently, China and Vietnam have clashed with both sides conducting naval drills and making bold statements. Under the past hierarchical order, territorial disputes between China and its neighbors had been resolved ensuring stability. However, in the 21st century maritime disputes have emerged as a major source of conflict between China and its neighbors. Can China and its neighbors resolve their differences or will this continue?

3) Japan’s Future in East Asia

The recent earthquake and political troubles have placed yet more pressure on Japan as it has struggled against nearly two decades of negative growth. How do you see Japan’s future in East Asia?