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
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.