Seung-ho Jung, Professor at Incheon National University, analyzes the background of the "Local Development 20x10 Policy," characterizing it as an extension of North Korea's regional self-reliance system that has been continuously strengthened by national defense logic, economic hardship, and deepening regional disparities. The author points out the economic limitations of this policy, noting that it bears structural inefficiencies by ignoring economies of scale and comparative advantage, while potentially shrinking market functions and further widening the gap between regions due to selective ...

Commentary

• Seung-ho JUNG
• February 20, 2026

Dong Ryul Lee, EAI Senior Fellow (Professor at Dongduk Women's University), provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of China’s strategy toward the U.S. in 2026, which seeks “stable coexistence” on an equal footing based on the perception of a structural decline in U.S. hegemony. The author predicts that China will move beyond its passive response to US pressure and instead pursue a preemptive and proactive diplomatic strategy, pursuing pragmatic transactions and negotiations with the U.S. while actively pursuing all-out diplomacy toward Europe, the Global South, and other regions,...

Commentary

• Dong Ryul LEE
• February 12, 2026

Jihwan Hwang, Professor at the University of Seoul, analyzes that the Trump administration’s second-term National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Defense Strategy (NDS) reflect the “Donroe Doctrine,” which prioritizes the Western Hemisphere while reducing engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The author projects that as the U.S. seeks “decent peace” rather than confrontation with China, the North Korean issue may also be reshaped within the broader framework of U.S.-China relations. Professor Hwang suggests that, amidst the weakening of U.S. security commitments and demands for increa...

Commentary

• Jihwan HWANG
• February 10, 2026