Troy Stangarone
Donald Trump is set to return to the White House later this month. Many world leaders are apprehensive about his return and unsure how to best manage relations with the incoming Trump administration.
While there are some unique aspects to each country’s concerns, for South Korea, the uncertainty comes from economic policies that will have a negative impact on the Korean economy, pressure on South Korea to contribute more to defense and whether any new approach to North Korea does or does not include Seoul’s views on how to manage relations with Pyongyang. These concerns are only heightened by Seoul’s own domestic political uncertainty stemming from the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. That uncertainty, however, can be managed to an extent if South Korean businesses and politicians have a better understanding of Trump’s tactics and motivations.
While Trump works to foster an appearance of unpredictability, he uses the uncertainty he creates through his seemingly contradictory statements and actions to produce leverage. Developing leverage is a key component of Trump’s approach to policy. Whether threatening to withdraw from the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement or threatening “fire and fury” on North Korea, Trump is working to develop leverage on........