menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Rust on the ironclad alliance?

14 0
17.01.2025

The U.S.-South Korea relationship is about to enter a period of uncertainty. On Jan. 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated — for a second time — as the 47th president of the United States. Judging by his first term, Trump’s policy agenda and personal proclivities on international cooperation are likely to be misaligned with allies, including South Korea. On matters of trade, security and defense, diplomacy and the environment, the U.S. under Trump will pursue action to “make America great again,” action that may not be in the perceived interest of Seoul. Moreover, South Korea is currently leaderless, as it plods through the aftermath of Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decision. Seoul’s government is thus not positioned to vigorously defend the country’s interests over the next few months, a critical period to set the tone with Trump 2.0.

The government under acting President Choi Sang-mok is trying to put a brave face on its provisional efforts to engage the incoming Trump administration, but Choi has admitted that political uncertainty has undermined those efforts. Even in an optimistic scenario, over the next few critical months South Korea will miss opportunities to shape Trump administration policy, and in the short-term, risks being sidelined from Washington’s focus. This is simply an artifact of not having a South Korean president and government who can speak with the mandate of the people, mixed with the reality that any political agreements........

© The Korea Times


Get it on Google Play