Shorenstein APARC, 2006-present

Since the middle of the last decade, Shorenstein APARC has become the premier research center for understanding North and South Korea, the rise of China as a global power, and the tensions between growing regional integration and rising nationalism in Asia, its research mission propelled by the addition of significant programs and personnel. Three new programs — on health policy in Asia, China studies, and Japan studies — were formally established; new faculty included Xueguang Zhou, Karen Eggleston, Phillip Lipscy, and Takeo Hoshi; and Masahiko Aoki and Thomas Fingar — both long associated with research at the Center — returned as Fellows. Former Pantech Fellows Daniel C. Sneider and David Straub took on new roles as associate directors of research and of KSP, respectively.

A host of new research initiatives included the New Beginnings policy study group and the West Coast Strategic Forum, which promote greater policy-oriented engagement between South Korea and the United States; the Divided Memories project, which explores national reconciliation in World War Two countries; and significant work, including a major comparative research project and a session of the annual Stanford-Kyoto Trans-Asian Dialogue, was accomplished on Asia’s unprecedented demographic changes.

Sadly, in 2010 the Center lost its longtime friend, advisor, and benefactor, Walter H. Shorenstein. His generosity, however, has ensured that his legacy will live on as the Center continues to thrive and fulfill its mission.