Dr. Balbina Hwang is currently Visiting Professor at Georgetown University, where she teaches courses on Asian political economy. From 2007 to January 2009, she served as Senior Special Advisor to Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, at the U.S. State Department.

Prior to joining the State Department, she was Senior Policy Analyst for Northeast Asia in the Asian Studies Center of The Heritage Foundation, a think tank, and Lecturer at Georgetown University. Dr. Hwang, a native of Korea, was a Fulbright Scholar to South Korea in 1998-99 where she conducted doctoral dissertation field research. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters. She has received several writing awards, including ones from the International Studies Association and the National Capital Area Political Science Association. She has provided expert testimony before Congressional hearings, and was also a frequent commentator for major international media outlets, including CNN, BBC, NPR, Lehrer News Hour, and The Wall St. Journal, among others.

Dr. Hwang earned her Ph.D. in Government from Georgetown University, an MIA (Masters of International Affairs) from Columbia University, an MBA from the University of Virginia, and a BA in Philosophy and Government from Smith College. She has taught at American University, the University of Maryland and National Defense University.