Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies Events

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The war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has triggered profound shifts in global geopolitics, reshaping strategic alliances and power balances far beyond Europe. While much attention is focused on U.S.-Russia dynamics, this seminar explores how the conflict has fundamentally transformed the geopolitical landscape in East Asia—particularly the evolving China-Russia-North Korea axis within the broader U.S.-China rivalry.

The U.S. response to the Ukraine War is being closely watched across Asia, where both allies and adversaries are reassessing American leadership. In South Korea, media outlets question whether the U.S. is retreating from its global role, while Chinese analysts speculate that internal divisions within the U.S. will weaken Washington before it can counter Beijing. These perceptions are driving strategic recalibrations throughout the region.

A key development is the deepening China-Russia partnership. While Beijing publicly calls for peace, it continues to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow, using the Ukraine conflict to challenge U.S. influence. However, this partnership has clear limitations—China remains wary of Russia’s unpredictability and North Korea’s growing military assertiveness. Meanwhile, the Russia-North Korea alliance has expanded significantly, culminating in a mutual defense treaty that carries serious implications for regional stability.

Why are North Korean troops reportedly fighting in Ukraine? How does Pyongyang’s increasing military cooperation with Moscow affect China's strategic calculus? Could the Trump administration shift U.S. policy from denuclearization to a nuclear freeze, effectively legitimizing North Korea’s nuclear status? And how might a resurgent China-Russia-North Korea bloc shape future negotiations with Washington?

As the world marks the third anniversary of the Ukraine War, this talk critically examines the interconnected nature of these global conflicts and their far-reaching consequences for East Asia’s security landscape in an era of intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.

Dr. Seong-Hyon Lee is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Government, an Associate at Harvard University’s Asia Center, and a Senior Fellow with the George H.W. Foundation for U.S.-China Relations.

Lunch from Jason’s Deli will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sponsored by: Global Research Institute

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Tiffany Clarke

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