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The Quarterly Changbi 213, Fall 2026

Changes in the World Order and Korea’s Path

Amid the shifting global order, what role should Korea assume, and what new path must it forge? In this issue’s special feature, former Minister of Unification Kim Yeon chul identifies today’s international landscape as defined by multipolarity, complexity, and unpredictability, arguing that Korea, both a middle power and a geopolitical intermediary, must pursue a balanced strategic posture. To this end, he emphasizes the reform of foreign policy and security institutions, urging Korea to strengthen flexible diplomacy and middle power solidarity so as not to be swept up in great power transactional politics.

Kim Jung sub, director of the Sejong Institute, examines the issue of OPCON transfer within the broader need for an active redesign of the ROK–US alliance. He critiques the long standing argument that the timing is premature, asserting that OPCON transfer ultimately hinges on Korea’s own will and judgment. Notably, he argues that the post transfer command structure should revert to a parallel system of “Korean forces leading, U.S. forces supporting” rather than the integrated model pursued since the Park Geun hye administration.

International relations scholar Lee Heajeong characterizes the recent Iran conflict as both the “Third Gulf War” and “Trump’s Iran War.” Her essay traces key historical turning points in U.S.–Iran relations across an extended timeline while offering a detailed account of the war’s developments. The piece reveals not only the limits of U.S. hegemony but also the impossibility of reshaping the Middle East order without addressing the Palestinian question.