13th Annual Korean Studies Writing Prize Awarded: Co-recipient JB Lim
Jong Beom “JB” Lim (MS '25 Computer Science; BAS'24 International Relations and Mathematical Computer Science) is a co-recipient of the 13th annual Korea Program Prize for Writing in Korean Studies, for her thesis "Navigating Asymmetry: Leadership Preferences and Foreign Policy Outcomes in U.S. Security Allies."
"JB marshals detailed comparative case studies of policy debates over the last two decades in South Korea and the Philippines, augmented by semi-structured interviews of several dozen elites involved in foreign policy making in the two countries. The cases show how alternation in power between leaders from different parties fundamentally altered the tenor of bargaining with the United States and the approach to dealing with domestic opposition. The result is a compelling argument, elegantly and persuasively written." says Kenneth Schultz, William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science. “Not only does [this thesis] present an incisive analysis of a key dilemma facing South Korean leaders, but it situates this case in a comparative context alongside the Philippines. It is also provides timely insight into the challenges of alliance management and makes a nuanced contribution to the scholarly literature on domestic politics and international bargaining”
Reflecting on his thesis, Lim notes: " My thesis examines how leaders in South Korea and the Philippines navigate foreign policy amidst pressures from the U.S. and domestic actors. The research question guiding this study is: "How do leaders of allied states, dependent on the United States for security, shape foreign policy outcomes amidst pressures from the dominant ally and domestic actors?" Through interviews with over 40 foreign policy practitioners and detailed case studies, I find that leaders of weaker allies actively shape foreign policy and alliance outcomes based on their preferences—while international pressures and public opinion limit policy options, leadership preferences are crucial in moderating these constraints. In South Korea’s case, conservative leaders like Park and Yoon aligned with U.S. demands to enhance Korea-Japan relations, while progressive leaders like Moon selectively utilized domestic opposition to navigate U.S. pressures, exemplified by his handling of the GSOMIA agreement. Moreover, entrenched ideological divisions in South Korea further limited any president’s ability to pursue a unified stance at home, whether in support of or opposition to American requests. My findings imply that alliance management remains a complex challenge and highlights the need for the U.S. to better strategize its diplomatic efforts to ensure continuity in its relationship with South Korea”
Sponsored by the Korea Program and the Center for East Asian Studies, the writing prize recognizes and rewards outstanding examples of writing by Stanford students in an essay, term paper or thesis produced during the current academic year in any discipline within the area of Korean studies, broadly defined. The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
This year's co recipient is Jiwon Bang.
Past Recipients:
11th Annual Prize Co-recipients (2022)
10th Annual Prize (2021)
9th Annual Prize (2020)
8th Annual Prize (2019)
7th Annual Prize (2018)
6th Annual Prize (2017)
5th Annual Prize (2016)
4th Annual Prize (2015)
3rd Annual Prize (2014)
2nd Annual Prize (2013)
1st Annual Prize (2012)