How can Germany, Korea, and Japan strengthen collective security?
As global tensions rise and economic dependencies become increasingly complex, what can Germany, South Korea, and Japan learn from one another?
In this episode, experts from all three countries explore the challenges of economic security, supply chain resilience, and regional cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world. From critical minerals and de-risking strategies to security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, the conversation highlights how middle-power democracies can work together to navigate geopolitical shifts and build long-term resilience.
Whether you're interested in international relations, economic security, or East Asia's evolving role in global affairs, this episode offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives.
Summary
00:00 Introduction
Why Germany, Korea, and Japan matter in today's geopolitical landscape.
02:14 A New World Order
How shifting global power dynamics are affecting all three countries.
03:33 The United States as a Less Predictable Partner
What changing U.S. policies mean for allies and security cooperation.
06:50 China, Dependency, and De-risking
Balancing economic ties with strategic resilience.
08:25 Lessons from Japan's Rare Earth Experience
What countries can learn from resource vulnerabilities.
11:09 Economic Pressure on South Korea
Managing security interests and economic realities.
13:44 New Partnerships and Strategic Balancing
Exploring opportunities for closer trilateral cooperation.
15:57 Building Resilience Together
Shared vulnerabilities and common solutions.
18:32 Defense, Innovation, and Secure Supply Chains
Areas where cooperation can create tangible benefits.
22:29 Germany's Interests in the Indo-Pacific
Why developments in East Asia matter for Europe.
24:34 Trust as the Foundation of Cooperation
The importance of political trust and communication.
26:39 What Successful Cooperation Could Look Like
Practical visions for the future.
29:38 Partnerships for a Multipolar World
Final reflections on resilience and global cooperation.
Speakers
Sara Nanni
- Member of the German Bundestag
- Alliance 90/The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen)
Hitoshi Suzuki
- Senior Research Fellow
- Institute of Geoeconomics, Tokyo (Japan)
Eunjung Lim
- Professor of International Relations
- Kongju National University (South Korea)
Joel Sandhu
- Head of Global Dialogue and Facilitation
- Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi)