Lami Kim

On 8 April, the IISS celebrated the launch of the IISS Korea Chair in Advanced Technologies, National Security and Defence, established with the generous support of the Korea Foundation and Hanwha. Director-General and Chief Executive Dr Bastian Giegerich (@B_Giegerich) introduced the programme and the inaugural IISS Korea Chair, Dr @lamikim. She then addressed a timely and important issue: South Korea’s push for nuclear-powered submarines, followed by a conversation with Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security, and a Q&A session with the audience. Key takeaways from the discussion included: 🔹 South Korea is seeking to develop nuclear-powered submarines to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats, particularly those in the underwater domain. Last year, President Lee Jae-myung asked President Trump to help secure nuclear fuel for these submarines, and President Trump expressed support. 🔹 However, significant uncertainties remain, including where the submarines would be built, how much they would cost, whether Washington will follow through on supplying nuclear fuel, and whether South Korea can develop the necessary naval reactor technology. 🔹 While these challenges are substantial, there is broad bipartisan support in South Korea—among both liberals and conservatives—for pursuing nuclear-powered submarines, and the issue is likely to remain a key priority for years to come. Find out more about the IISS Korea Chair programme ⤵️ go.iiss.org/4mm9GDJ

South Korea once hosted US nuclear weapons, explored its own nuclear option in the 1970s, and today sits at the centre of renewed debates over deterrence and proliferation. In this episode of the Arms Control Primer, @alexbollfrass, Dr Se Young Jang and @lamikim examine Seoul’s nuclear history, why it joined the NPT, how US pressure and reassurance shaped its choices, and what North Korea’s growing capabilities mean for South Korea’s security today. 🎧 Listen here: go.iiss.org/4m3CUHo

🎙️ Conversation with Dr. Victor Cha Join @VictorDCha @CSIS and @lamikim @IISS_org in London for a timely discussion on the DPRK-Russia alliance and how transactional wartime ties may be evolving into a strategic partnership, with implications for Europe, the Indo‑Pacific, and the U.S. 🕒 Tuesday, April 14 | 10:00–11:15 a.m. EDT 📍 Arundel House, London | Online 🔗 RSVP: iiss.org/events/2026/04…

Come work with me at the IISS' London headquarters! This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal. We are unable to sponsor visas, but you may be eligible under the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Please apply by April 20. iiss.org/careers/jobs/2…

Putin’s war in Ukraine has produced a unique transactional military relationship between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Russia, posing multiple threats to the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the United States. Please join Dr Lami Kim, Korea Chair in Advanced Technology, National Security and Defence, for a discussion on these questions with a distinguished guest, Dr Victor Cha on security cooperation between North Korea and Russia. 📆 Tuesday 14 April ⏰ 15:00–16:15 BST 🌐 Hybrid 💬 Dr @VictorDCha, Dr @lamikim Find out more: go.iiss.org/4tb5VmW

Please join what promises to be an insightful discussion with Dr. Victor Cha on North Korea–Russia defense cooperation, either in person at the IISS London office or virtually at 3pm BST on April 14th! iiss.org/events/2026/04…

South Korea’s Cheongung-II air-defence system made its combat debut in defending the UAE against attacks from Iran; now it and other South Korean systems are gaining traction as alternatives to their Western counterparts. Read the latest analysis by IISS Korea Chair @lamikim: go.iiss.org/4rYMqgt

I’m pleased to share my recent piece, which highlights the growing traction of South Korean air defense systems as alternatives to their Western counterparts. iiss.org/online-analysi…

North Korea is pushing to integrate AI across both its civilian economy and its military modernisation efforts. But, despite growing ambition and reported progress in areas such as cyber operations and uncrewed systems, major constraints in chips, infrastructure, energy and data are likely to limit what Pyongyang can achieve in practice. Read the latest analysis by @lamikim ➡️ go.iiss.org/3PjhCJD

My latest analysis on North Korea’s ambitions for military applications of AI, as expressed during the 9th Party Congress. Feedback is welcome! iiss.org/online-analysi…

ICYMI: On the newest episode of Capital Cable, @CSIS @CSISGeopolitics @mwlippert and @sydseiler join @rpachecopardo and @lamikim to assess North Korea’s Ninth Party Congress—and what its new five-year plan signals next. 📺 Watch here: csis.org/events/north-k…

I’m excited to share my latest op-ed, adapted from my forthcoming book with Stanford University Press, Everything but the Bomb: South Korea’s Nuclear Hedging Strategy. foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/08/sou…

It’s behind a paywall, but I wanted to share my latest article in War on the Rocks. warontherocks.com/2025/11/south-…

This discussion with @lamikim is the best thing I've come across about the confusing halfway state of US policy toward South Korean nuclear latency.

I’m excited to share my latest article, in which I argue that while South Korea must urgently scale electricity for AI, its energy discourse has grown increasingly politicized—undermining pragmatic policy choices. nationalinterest.org/blog/energy-wo…

I'm thrilled to share my latest article where I argue Russia and China are leading in the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—the “next big thing," and their potential dominance carries significant geopolitical implications. bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.gwu.edu/…

Fall @TWQgw is live! Read @RachelWhitlark on Trump’s nuclear views, @audryewong et al. on China’s economic weapons, @lamikim on nuclear SMR competition, and Harsh V. Pant and @viveksans on Pakistan and India-US relations.

Mansfield-Luce Asia Scholar @lamikim will join this @PacificForum roundtable on the U.S.-South Korea alliance next month

🔹 #ROK-#US Alliance under #Trump 2.0: What’s next? Join #PacificForum’s public roundtable as we tackle #nuclearthreats, #maritime strategy, and #industrial cooperation. 🎟️ Free w/ registration. Seats limited. 👉 pacforum.swoogo.com/ROK-US-Allianc… #ROKUS #IndoPacific #PacificForum

This morning, #HonoluluInternationalForum hosted a timely roundtable on countering #HybridThreats in the #IndoPacific —led by @DavidSantoro1 & @the_diplomark , in partnership with @Microsoft . Mahalo to the speakers: @og10952557 , @EBKania , @lamikim , and Marcus Bartley Johns.