Yoonki Lee, MPhil student in International Relations – A Young Leader and Rising Expert

Yoonki Lee, MPhil student in International Relations, has been selected a Young Leader of the Pacific Forum and a Rising Expert by Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council.

Yoonki, who conducts research on Domestic Drivers of Hedging: South Korea’s Middle Power Diplomacy Amidst US-China Rivalry, explains more:

What was the motivation for applying to the Pacific Forum Young Leaders Programme (YLP)?

I applied for the Pacific Forum Young Leaders Programme (YLP) because it offers a unique platform to engage with emerging experts, contribute to issue briefs, and shape practical policy recommendations aimed at strengthening regional stability and resilience in the Indo-Pacific. Established in 2004, the YLP enhances cross-cultural understanding and analytical capabilities among early-career scholars and practitioners. It provides Young Leaders with unparalleled opportunities to gain insights into Indo-Pacific issues, observe foreign policymaking processes, and engage with senior experts.

Many congratulations on your achievement as a Rising Expert by the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council – what does this mean?

As a Rising Expert, I will have the opportunity to contribute as co-authors and speak at a public launch event to present the project’s analyses and recommendations. This project will bring together a network of Rising Experts for two private roundtables, the insights from which will shape the development of an issue brief.

What criteria did you have to meet to be successful?

To become a Rising Expert with the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council, applicants were expected to have several years of relevant experience in international relations, along with a demonstrated interest in key global policy areas such as security, technology, global trends, economics, and trade. A strong application required evidence of past work—whether research, analysis, or published commentary—in one or more of these areas, showcasing both subject-matter expertise and a capacity to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions.

Similarly, to be selected as a Young Leader by the Pacific Forum, candidates needed to demonstrate several years of experience related to Indo-Pacific geopolitics and security policy. In addition to professional or academic background in the region, applicants were expected to show an aptitude for international diplomacy and a sustained interest in Indo-Pacific affairs. The selection process emphasised both the ability to engage with complex policy issues and a commitment to contributing constructively to the Young Leaders community.

What does this personally mean to you and your future studies?

Being selected as a Young Leader by the Pacific Forum and a Rising Expert by the Atlantic Council holds deep personal and professional significance. These opportunities affirm my commitment to contributing meaningfully to international policy debates in the Indo-Pacific region. They also provide valuable platforms to engage with senior practitioners and fellow emerging experts around the world.

What advice or message would you have for other DPIR students thinking about similar opportunities?

For any DPIR students interested in Indo-Pacific affairs, I strongly encourage applying to these programmes. They offer an excellent platform to empower emerging professionals in international policy by providing access to both junior- and senior-level conferences, policy dialogues, and global events. In addition to sharpening analytical skills, these programmes open doors to a robust network of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working at the forefront of Indo-Pacific strategy and security.

Being a student at the DPIR is an ideal starting point for applying to programmes geared toward young professionals and emerging scholars. The rigorous academic training, critical thinking, and analytical skills you develop through your coursework provide a strong foundation for engaging with salient real-world policy issues. They are a valuable way to apply what you're learning in the classroom to practical, policy-relevant contexts—and to begin contributing to the kinds of debates and decisions that shape international affairs.