The APEC Summit in Korea: Guarding the Remnants of an Open Order
Key Takeaways- As the
free trade era gives way to strategic rivalry, APEC must shift from
liberalization toward managing interdependence among competing powers.- Korea,
as this year’s host, is uniquely positioned to bridge divides and champion a
pragmatic framework balancing resilience with cooperation.
- The
summit’s success will depend on Korea’s ability to turn ambition into
achievable outcomes ...
By
Jeong-Ho Lee [Research Professor, Research Institute of Korean Studies, Korea University]
October 19, 2025