South Korea is a leading global economy and close ally of the United States. Even with its status and the explosion of cultural touchpoints like K-Pop, South Korea’s history and politics are still relatively unknown to many in the United States. With rising tensions throughout the Asia-Pacific region, what will the U.S.-Korea partnership look like over the next few years?

Hear a presentation from Global Minnesota and the Korea Economic Institute featuring representatives from both the U.S. State Department and the Korean Embassy. They shared important context about the strategic relationship between the United States and South Korea, the ongoing tension on the Korean peninsula, and the outlook for Korea’s economic, political, and cultural influence globally.

Global Minnesota's Great Decisions program features grassroots discussion groups where people from all over the state get together in their communities to talk about the big foreign policy issues of our time. Groups are made up of all different backgrounds including community organizations, church groups, universities, and even groups of friends who want to learn more about complex international issues.

On today’s episode, hear from a Great Decisions expert speaker, Christi Siver, and a local Great Decisions group leader Renee Brown-Goodell. They have joined to talk about their roles in the Great Decisions program, the process for joining or starting a group, and how these groups foster international learning across the state.

As a major player in global affairs, Germany has a critical role in steering the transatlantic relationship. Earlier this summer, Global Minnesota partnered on an event with the Germanic-American Institute and the Bertelsmann Foundation to discuss the U.S.-German relationship. The event featured remarks from Irene Braam, Executive Director of the Bertelsmann Foundation, and Rainer Breul, who serves as the Head of Political Affairs at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C.

On this episode, hear from by Rainer Breul, who started in his position at the Germany Embassy back in July 2023. He shared more about his background, the connections between Germany and Minnesota, and the essential importance of the U.S.-German relationship.

Germany Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Department of State Office of Sub-National Diplomacy