Yang Gyu Kim | International Relations | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Yang Gyu Kim | International Relations | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Yang Gyu Kim | International Relations – Assistant Professor at Korea National Defense University, China

Dr. Yang Gyu Kim is a distinguished academic and expert in the field of international security, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Security Policy at Korea National Defense University. His academic and professional expertise spans multiple critical areas of international relations, including coercive diplomacy, nuclear weapons strategy, military applications of artificial intelligence, and the dynamics of U.S.-China relations. Dr. Kim’s exceptional career trajectory is marked by significant roles, including his tenure as Executive Director and Principal Researcher at the East Asia Institute (EAI), and his teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Seoul National University and Florida International University. His deep knowledge of global security issues, combined with his analytical skills, have earned him recognition in both academic and policy-making circles.

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Education

Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Florida International University, awarded in 2019. His academic journey also includes a Master’s degree (M.A.) in International Relations from Seoul National University, which he completed in 2014, and a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in the same field from Seoul National University in 2008. Dr. Kim’s academic achievements have been enhanced by prestigious fellowships, including the Fulbright Graduate Study Award, which supported his doctoral studies, and the Smith Richardson Foundation’s “World Politics and Statecraft Fellowship,” which facilitated his dissertation work. These accolades are a testament to his academic excellence and his commitment to advancing the study of international relations.

Experience

Dr. Kim has amassed significant experience in both research and teaching, contributing to a variety of key academic and policy-oriented institutions. Prior to his current position, he served as the Executive Director and Principal Researcher at the East Asia Institute (EAI), where he played a leading role in shaping research on East Asian security issues. He also held a Lectureship at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University from 2022 to 2025. Furthermore, Dr. Kim was a Visiting Scholar at the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University from 2020 to 2021, where he conducted advanced research on topics related to international security and nuclear policy. His work as an adjunct lecturer at Florida International University further highlights his extensive teaching experience, especially in areas of international relations theory, security, and foreign policy.

Research Interests

Dr. Kim’s research focuses on various dimensions of international security, with particular emphasis on coercive diplomacy, nuclear strategy, military applications of artificial intelligence, and public opinion’s role in shaping foreign policy. He is especially interested in the implications of nuclear weapons on international relations and has authored several critical works examining deterrence theory, nuclear punishment, and political feasibility in times of crisis. His research extends to the practical application of artificial intelligence in military contexts, as well as the evolving geopolitical landscape, including U.S.-China relations and the North Korean conflict. Dr. Kim’s work provides important insights into how military power and international diplomacy intersect in the modern global order.

Awards

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Kim has received several prestigious awards and fellowships that underscore his contributions to the field of international relations. Among these is the Fulbright Graduate Study Award, which he received to pursue his Ph.D. studies, and the Smith Richardson Foundation’s “World Politics and Statecraft Fellowship,” which was awarded to him for his dissertation on nuclear deterrence and international security. These honors reflect Dr. Kim’s significant impact on the study of international relations and security policy, and they serve as a testament to his expertise and dedication to advancing research in these critical fields.

Publications

  1. “Lack of Resolve or Military Infeasibility? Explaining Reduced Punishments During the 1936 Rhineland Crisis and the 2010 Shelling of Yeonpyeong Island” (2024) – Journal of International Security Studies 📖
    This article explores historical examples of military crisis management, offering new insights into the role of military feasibility and political resolve in international conflicts.

  2. “Why South Korea Must Not Go Nuclear: A Small Arsenal Won’t Pay Off Like You Think” (2023) – International Politics Review 🔬
    This paper discusses the strategic and geopolitical risks of South Korea pursuing nuclear weapons, making a compelling case for non-nuclear security strategies.

  3. “The First Thing They Would Do: Policy Choices of the USSR, Israel, and the UK after Direct Nuclear Deterrence Failure” (2022) – Global Security Journal 📑
    This research examines the policy responses of key nuclear powers after facing a failure in nuclear deterrence, shedding light on the complexities of nuclear strategy.

  4. “Infeasible Punishment and Non-Effective Threats: Political Feasibility of Nuclear Punishment and Policy Choices after Direct Nuclear Deterrence Failure” (2021) – Journal of Political Science 📰
    This paper delves into the political challenges of nuclear deterrence and the effectiveness of punitive threats in international diplomacy.

Conclusion

Dr. Yang Gyu Kim’s extensive academic background, his significant contributions to international security research, and his wide-ranging experience in both teaching and policy research make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work in understanding the complexities of nuclear strategy, coercive diplomacy, and the impact of artificial intelligence on military operations has positioned him as a leading expert in his field. Through his publications, he has advanced critical conversations about security policy and international relations, particularly in the context of East Asia. Dr. Kim’s achievements and his continued dedication to research make him an invaluable asset to the academic community, and he is highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Amanda Lucey | Political Science – University of Cape Town, South Africa

Ms. Amanda Lucey is a South African professional with over 17 years of experience in development finance, peacebuilding, and transitional justice. With a robust background in strategic communications and research, she has developed an extensive track record of publications that engage with global development and peace initiatives. Ms. Lucey has worked across several high-profile organizations, including the United Nations, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and UNDP, among others. Her expertise lies in developing and implementing strategies that promote peace, governance, and sustainable development, with a particular focus on gender-sensitive approaches and the African context.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Ms. Lucey holds an MPhil in Justice and Transformation (Conflict Resolution) from the University of Cape Town, where she completed her thesis on a psychological analysis of political violence. She also holds a BSocSc Hons in Justice and Transformation and a BSc Hons in Psychology from the University of Nottingham. Her educational foundation, enriched by scholarships such as the National Research Foundation and others from the University of Cape Town, underpins her deep understanding of the complexities of peacebuilding, political behavior, and conflict resolution.

Experience:

Throughout her career, Ms. Lucey has served in numerous influential roles, including as a Senior Associate at Clarity Global Strategic Consulting and an Independent Consultant for various international organizations. Her work includes advising on civil society engagement with Public Development Banks (PDBs) and developing strategic communications for the World Bank. She has also contributed to high-level policy analysis on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and led significant research projects for organizations like the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Her experience in peacebuilding also extends to her tenure with the United Nations, where she worked as a Political Affairs Officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo and as a Rule of Law Officer for UNDP in South Sudan.

Research Interests:

Ms. Lucey’s research interests focus on the intersections of transitional justice, development finance, and peacebuilding. She is particularly invested in the role of African regional organizations in addressing post-conflict reconstruction and justice. Her work often includes gender-sensitive and survivor-centered approaches, especially in the context of violent extremism, organized crime, and governance in Africa. She has also been involved in studying the role of South-South Cooperation (SSC) in development, and its impact on peace and security, particularly in relation to African countries’ responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awards:

Ms. Lucey has been recognized for her significant contributions to development finance and peacebuilding. Her strategic approach to communication and research has made her a valuable asset in various international forums. While there is no specific mention of awards, her nomination for various professional achievements and publications in high-ranking journals and platforms indicates the widespread recognition of her work. Ms. Lucey’s research contributions have had a broad impact, influencing policy development and fostering important dialogues on international development.

Publications:

Ms. Lucey has authored numerous publications that have been recognized in academic and policy-making circles. Some of her key works include:

  1. A Double-Edged Sword: Peace Support Operations and Conflict Management in Northern Mozambique (FES, 2023) 📚
  2. Mozambique’s Violent Insurgency: Imagining a New Social Contract through Transitional Justice (IJR, 2023) 📚
  3. Violent Extremism in Northern Nigeria: Alternative Narratives and Approaches (IJR, 2023) 📚
  4. Lessons from Africa: 20 Years of UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Policy (RESOLVE, 2022) 🌍
  5. Assessing Development Effectiveness for South-South Cooperation (SSC): Perspectives from the Global South (UNDP, 2022) 🌍
  6. Guidelines for Building South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategies (UNDP, 2020) 📖
  7. First African South-South Cooperation Report (UNDP, 2019) 📖

Conclusion:

Ms. Amanda Lucey is a seasoned expert with a deep commitment to promoting peace and development, particularly in the African context. Her combination of academic knowledge, field experience, and strategic communications skills positions her as a leader in the domains of peacebuilding, transitional justice, and international development. Her work continues to influence key policy developments and shape critical conversations on global development, with a strong focus on justice, governance, and sustainable peace. As a researcher, consultant, and advocate, Ms. Lucey remains a key figure in the field, continuously driving impactful change through her multifaceted expertise.