KDI School of Public Policy and Management welcomed scholars, researchers, and students from around the world for the Global Strategy and Political Economy (GSPE) Lab Workshop, held on June 18-19. Under the title “The Era of Great Power Politics: Political Institutions, Democratic Resilience, and Domestic Sources of Global Rivalry”  the two-day workshop provided a platform for presenting new research while encouraging dialogue on some of today’s most pressing political and policy challenges.

The workshop opened on Thursday with three thematic panels featuring nine scholars from leading universities in Korea, the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Discussions explored a wide range of topics, including international order and geopolitical competition, technology and AI governance, and political representation and inequality. Throughout the day, faculty members, researchers, and students engaged in lively discussions, exchanging ideas and feedback on emerging research while fostering academic collaboration across institutions.

Presenters included scholars from New York University Abu Dhabi, Nanyang Technological University, MIT, the National University of Singapore, HKUST, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Utah.

Friday’s sessions brought together faculty members, Ph.D. students, and researchers for discussions spanning gender and development, conflict, public policy, bureaucracy, and academic careers. Throughout the day, presenters shared their ongoing research, received feedback from fellow scholars, and engaged the audience in conversations about the  broader implications of their findings. 

The morning panel, “Gender, Conflict, and Development,” explored how political decisions and public policies influence people’s lives across different national contexts. Professor Cecilia Hyunjung Mo (University of California, Berkeley) presented experimental research from Nigeria examining how group-based training programs can encourage women’s political participation by strengthening collective efficacy and civic engagement. 

According to the study, women who participated in the training were more likely to submit applications for political positions and become involved in economic activities, illustrating how targeted interventions can help reduce barriers to participation. This part of the session brought lively discussion with participants questioning the mechanism behind the results and considering how engaging community leaders and family members might further strengthen these initiatives. 

The session continued with presentations examining the domestic consequences of war and international policy. Professor Hojung Joo (Harvard University) discussed the political effects of Vietnam War casualties in South Korea, while Professor Dongil Lee (KDI School) explored how foreign aid restrictions under the Mexico City Policy affect women’s fertility decisions, labor market participation, and empowerment. Together, the presentations illustrated how political decisions – whether made during times of conflict or through international development policies – can shape social and economic outcomes for years to come. 

One of the day’s highlights was the roundtable discussion, “Political Science as a Career,” moderated by Assistant Professor ByungKoo Kim of KDI School. Professor Hye Young You (Princeton University) and Professor Cecilia Hyunjung Mo (UC Berkeley) shared practical advice with students interested in pursuing doctoral studies. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievements, the speakers emphasized developing meaningful research questions, gaining research experience, and building supportive mentoring relationships. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, giving students an opportunity to seek guidance on graduate school applications and careers in academia. 

The afternoon panel shifted its attention to “Expertise, Lobbying, and Bureaucratic Politics,” examining how expertise, institutions, and interest groups shape policymaking. Professor Hye Young You (Princeton University) presented research on the role of scientific expertise in the U.S. Congress, exploring how legislators engage with scientists in the policymaking process and, more interestingly, the differences in how Republican and Democratic lawmakers engage with scientists. Professor Kyuwon Lee (University of Southern California) discussed how bureaucratic revolving doors can create opportunities for regulatory outsiders, offering new perspectives on government decision-making. 

Professor Minju Kim (Syracuse University) concluded the panel with a research on how bureaucratic turnover influences firms lobbying efforts in tariff exclusion processes, examining the conditions under which government officials are more likely to respond to business interests. Together , the presentations demonstrated the complex interactions between expertise, bureaucracy, and political institutions in shaping public policy. 

Beyond individual presentations, the workshop created an environment where ideas could be openly exchanged across institutions and career stages. Questions from faculty members, researchers, and students frequently extended the discussions beyond the formal presentations, allowing presenters to receive constructive feedback while exposing attendees to diverse research methods and perspectives. The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, enabling students to interact directly with internationally recognized scholars and learn more about the research process. 

By bringing together participants from universities across the United States and Asia, the GSPE Lab Workshop reflected KDI School’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and promoting rigorous, policy-relevant research. For students considering careers in research or academia, the workshop offered not only insight into emerging scholarship but also a first-hand look at the collaborative nature of academic inquiry.