John Hamre, president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), shared his insights during a meeting with this newspaper at his office in Washington D.C. With over 50 visits to Korea, he has witnessed its rapid development and believes that the country has yet to fully realize its potential on the global stage.
The Vision for Korea
Hamre emphasized that Korea should not limit itself to regional concerns but should aim to become a global leader. He expressed hope that the nation would focus on broader opportunities beyond the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. His comments were made as he prepares to retire after 26 years at the helm of CSIS, a think tank he transformed into one of the most influential in the world.
During his tenure, Hamre focused on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, particularly North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. He highlighted a critical issue within the U.S.-South Korea alliance: the lack of trust from South Korea regarding the U.S. nuclear umbrella. This mistrust, he argued, poses a significant challenge to the stability of the alliance.
Building a Global Think Tank
CSIS has long been a hub for strategic analysis and policy proposals. Hamre credited the success of the organization to its commitment to objective analysis, regardless of popularity. He stressed that the think tank does not tailor its findings to meet client expectations but instead focuses on honest evaluations. Trust, he said, is built through integrity and the ability to provide unbiased insights.
The organization’s clients include governments, corporations, foundations, and individuals, but it remains independent in its research. Hamre also emphasized the importance of hiring talented individuals and trusting them to do their work without micromanagement. In 26 years, he only asked an employee to review their work once, highlighting his confidence in his team.
A Deep Connection with Korea
Hamre first visited Korea 38 years ago while working as a young staffer in the Senate. He fell in love with the country and returned over 50 times. He praised the diligence and sincerity of the Korean people, noting that the South Korean military ranks among the top five globally. He also admired Korea’s democratic values, including the rule of law and a government that reflects the will of the people.
Korea’s transition to democracy was not complete when he first arrived, but he sensed that change was inevitable. His personal connection to the country stems from his admiration for its growth and resilience.
Interactions with South Korean Leaders
Throughout his career, Hamre has interacted with multiple South Korean presidents. During President Park Geun-hye’s administration, he advised on the revision of the South Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement. He gave a realistic assessment, stating that while Korea is a model in nonproliferation, it is not a leader in nuclear policy. President Park acted on his suggestion, leaving a strong impression on him.
He also met with President Lee Jae Myung last year, describing the encounter as unexpected. Despite having many aides, Lee took notes and asked probing questions, demonstrating a deep engagement with the discussion. Hamre was impressed by Lee’s humility and dedication, seeing in him a reflection of Korea’s growth story.
The U.S.-South Korea Alliance
Hamre acknowledged that the U.S.-South Korea alliance has had both smooth and challenging periods. He emphasized that the relationship is genuine, based on mutual recognition of necessity and shared interests. However, there have been moments of friction, such as when the U.S. acted with a sense of superiority, expecting South Korea to simply comply.
Despite these challenges, Hamre believes that the alliance has always overcome minor disputes through shared goals. He warned that if South Korea cannot trust the U.S. nuclear umbrella, it may seek its own deterrent, which would be extremely difficult to manage.
The Future of the Liberal Order
Hamre also discussed the turmoil in the liberal order, pointing to the failures of past administrations to address global challenges effectively. He criticized the lack of deep reforms under the Trump administration, particularly in Iran and Venezuela. While some changes occurred, he argued that lasting solutions require more than military force.
He noted that international institutions like the UN and G20 are ineffective, and South Korea is not part of the Europe-centric G7. Strengthening multilateral cooperation, he said, is the only way forward.
Trilateral Cooperation with Japan
Regarding trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, Hamre expressed support for the idea. He acknowledged the painful history between South Korea and Japan but believed that continued cooperation would benefit all parties. He was encouraged by President Lee’s outreach to Japan and noted the growing cultural ties between the two countries.
Final Thoughts on Korea
Despite his frustrations with Korea’s short-sightedness, Hamre remains optimistic about its future. He urged the country to look beyond the Korean Peninsula and embrace its role as a global leader. He also expressed concern about the low birthrate and population concentration in Seoul, drawing parallels to issues in his home state of South Dakota.
Even after retirement, Hamre plans to continue supporting stronger U.S.-South Korea relations. He remains a passionate advocate for Korea and its potential on the world stage.
About CSIS and John Hamre
CSIS was founded in 1962 under the Cold War as a research institution affiliated with Georgetown University. It was created to meet the demand for strategic thinking on national security and foreign policy amid geopolitical conflicts with the Soviet Union. In 1987, it became a nonprofit organization and has since expanded research across regions and topics.
John Hamre, who has led CSIS since 2000, has earned praise for transforming it into a globally influential think tank. The organization currently employs over 250 staff, with a budget exceeding $60 million.
Born in 1950 in South Dakota, Hamre graduated from Augustana College and earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He served in various roles in the U.S. government, including deputy director of the Congressional Budget Office and deputy secretary of defense.
CSIS has been a key platform for South Korean leaders to explain their foreign and security policies to U.S. opinion leaders. Hamre, who has visited Korea over 50 times, is a leading expert on the region. He has advised leaders from President Kim Dae-jung to President Lee Jae Myung and has received numerous honors for his contributions.
