As we reflect on developments in East Asia in 2024 through the lens of law and legal processes, one thing is clear: the United States in 2025 must pay more attention to the growing domestic political instability of its allies, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. South Korea’s brief flirtation with martial law grabbed attention, but it has suffered legislative logjam for months. So has Taiwan, and similar prospects loom for Japan.

Professor Cohen, founder and faculty director emeritus of the U.S.-Asia Law Institute, was interviewed by The Wire China about China’s “rule by law”, where he discusses the growing repression in China's legal system and where there is still room for optimism.

The U.S.-Asia Law Institute welcomes a small number of visiting scholars each fall to work on self-directed research projects addressing issues involving law in East Asia, including in the domestic law of individual East Asian jurisdictions, comparative law, and international law. Applicants should be legal scholars or practitioners who are highly motivated to advance knowledge, engage with new perspectives, and network with colleagues from around the world. The application period for 2025-2026 visiting scholars is now open until January 31, 2025.