Ramon Pacheco Pardo

Ramon Pacheco Pardo is one of the world’s leading interpreters of Korea’s rise and what it reveals about the future of global power. His work explores how nations build influence, resilience and strategic autonomy in an era defined by geopolitical competition, technological disruption and economic fragmentation.

As Professor of International Relations and Regional Envoy for East and Southeast Asia at King’s College London, and KF-VUB Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance, he operates at the intersection of scholarship and policymaking. Through his research and advisory work, he helps governments, businesses and institutions navigate a rapidly changing international landscape.

While widely recognised for his expertise on the Korean Peninsula, Pacheco Pardo’s research extends far beyond regional affairs. He examines how states adapt to shifting power dynamics, strengthen their competitive advantages and position themselves in an increasingly contested world. South Korea sits at the centre of much of this analysis. He has charted the country’s transformation from a state overshadowed by larger powers into a leading innovator, economic force and diplomatic actor.

This perspective has made Ramon Pacheco Pardo a sought-after voice on economic security, industrial strategy and technological competition. He also offers valuable insight into middle-power diplomacy, supply chain resilience and the evolving architecture of the Indo-Pacific. By connecting regional developments to broader global trends, he helps audiences understand the forces reshaping the international order.

Pacheco Pardo is the author of several influential books, including Startup Capitalism, South Korea’s Grand Strategy, Korea, and Shrimp to Whale. Together, these works have deepened international understanding of Korea’s transformation and its growing influence on global affairs.

He has participated in official and track-two dialogues involving South Korea, North Korea, China and Japan. He has also testified before the European Parliament and advised policymakers on economic security, regional stability, supply chains and diplomatic engagement.

Ramon Pacheco Pardo’s appointments include Adjunct Fellow at the Korea Chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Scientific Council Member at the Elcano Royal Institute, and Steering Committee Member at CSCAP EU. Through these roles, he continues to shape debates on Korea, East Asia and the geopolitical forces defining the twenty-first century.