South Korea increasingly needs to take preemptive measures
The post-World War II international order, long defined by alliances between democratic countries like the United States, Britain and France, is undergoing a seismic shift. The U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, particularly its "America First" approach, has raised serious questions about the future of these alliances. Recent developments in the United Nations Security Council and U.S. foreign policy signal the erosion of traditional democratic coalitions, particularly as the U.S. has aligned itself with Russia, China and North Korea in surprising ways.
The U.S. on Monday played a pivotal role in passing a pro-Russian resolution in the Security Council on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resolution was adopted with 10 votes in favor and five abstentions. Out of the five permanent Council members, the U.S., China and Russia supported the resolution, while France and Britain abstained. This unusual alignment suggests a profound reversal of the traditional international security framework, where liberal democracies typically confronted authoritarian states like Russia and China. The shift in the U.S. government's shift — particularly its opposition to a resolution condemning Russia alongside North Korea — further underscores the growing rift between the U.S. and its European allies.
At the heart of this change is the Trump administration’s staunch pursuit of national interests over collective global values. U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently pushed for negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine despite growing concerns from European countries and Ukraine itself. Trump’s characterization of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and his insistence on holding Ukraine accountable for the war has deepened these tensions. The U.S. has also demanded that Ukraine sign a controversial agreement granting the U.S. 50 percent of profits from Ukraine's mineral resources, including rare earths. Faced with these pressures, President Zelenskyy is expected to fly to Washington to finalize the deal, signifying the tough diplomacy at play.
Meanwhile, Europe is already preparing for a new era of self-reliance in defense. Britain has announced plans to increase its defense spending from 2.3 percent to 3 percent of gross domestic product, signaling the country’s intent to protect its security interests amid a changing global environment. Germany is also seeking to convene a meeting of European countries to discuss the establishment of self-defense nuclear deterrence, a move that highlights the growing uncertainty about the reliability of NATO and the U.S. as a security guarantor.
For South Korea, the shifting security dynamics are a cause for concern. The unexpected U.S. alignment with Russia and its increasing isolationist stance means that South Korea may no longer be able to rely on the U.S. in the same way it has for decades. With Trump’s apparent focus on forging a deal with North Korea, the U.S. will likely prioritize negotiations with Pyongyang over maintaining the integrity of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
This shift in focus could have significant implications for the Korean Peninsula. Trump has previously expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, a prospect that could gain new traction as he pursues his foreign policy agenda. However, such a strategy risks undermining the security and strategic interests of South Korea, which has been a vital U.S. ally in both economic and military terms. The decades-long partnership between the U.S. and South Korea has not only provided security for the region but has also been a cornerstone of economic cooperation, particularly in key sectors like semiconductors, batteries and automobiles. South Korean companies have made substantial investments in these industries, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for South Korea to take preemptive steps to safeguard its security interests. The U.S. must first engage in consultations with South Korea before any deal is struck with North Korea. Such discussions should emphasize the value of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which has been a pillar of stability in the region. If the U.S. bypasses South Korea and enters into negotiations with North Korea on its own terms, it risks igniting anti-American sentiment among the South Korean public, damaging a relationship that has been vital for both countries.
As the global security landscape continues to shift, it is clear that South Korea can no longer afford to take its alliances for granted. The time has come for South Korea to ensure that its security and economic interests are at the forefront of U.S. policy considerations. In a world where alliances are increasingly fluid, South Korea must act swiftly and strategically to navigate the challenges ahead.
English (United States) ·