Trump era 2.0 : Key challenges and the future of the U.S.-S. Korea alliance

"트럼프 2기 시작: 한미동맹의 미래와 주요 과제"
As the second term of President Donald Trump begins, the global landscape is bracing for significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy, especially with respect to the Korea-US alliance and the evolving dynamics in Northeast Asia. To discuss these critical developments, we are joined by experts to examine how the Trump administration’s "America First" approach may impact key issues such as North Korea, China, and South Korea’s role in maintaining a balanced foreign policy. We will also explore the growing influence of Korean-American lawmakers in Congress and their potential to shape U.S.-Korea relations in the coming years. Stay tuned as we delve into these pressing topics with insights from key leaders and analysts.
For more on this, we invite Min Jeong-hun, Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy in the studio with us. Welcome.
Also joining us is Robert Kelly, Professor of International Relations at Pusan National University. Thank you for your participation.
1. (Min) So Professor Min, as President Trump started his second term, he declared the era of "America First 2.0," signaling significant changes in the global security order. How do you expect foreign policy in the second Trump administration to differ from that of the first?
2. (Kelly) Within the framework of "America First," how will the Trump administration's stance and response toward the Korea-US alliance differ most significantly from the Biden administration?
3. (Min) Meanwhile, concerns are growing about a crisis in Seoul-Washington ties due to the political turmoil following Korea's December 3rd martial law declaration. Since the Korea-US alliance is based on values such as democracy and the rule of law, how do you think the domestic political situation will affect the alliance?
4. (Kelly) Meanwhile, President Trump has refrained from making any official comments on Korea's state of emergency. Professor Kelly, What do you think is the reason for this?
5. (Min) South Korea will need to engage in intense negotiations with the Trump administration. What is the most urgent issue at hand? (Perhaps the renegotiation of defense cost-sharing?)
6. (Kelly) President Trump had been preferring a "top-down" approach when it comes to diplomacy. In the context of leadership gaps caused by political turmoil, what kind of foreign policy should South Korea pursue?
7. (Min) Amidst this, on the 23rd, Seoul's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had their first call after Trump's inauguration, agreeing to continue strengthening the strong alliance.
It's been said that Secretary Rubio has invited Minister Cho over to Washington. What further efforts are needed to strengthen high-level communication?
8. (Kelly) On his first day in office, President Trump acknowledged North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and expressed his intention to resume talks with the North. How will the second Trump administration's approach to the Pyongyang nuclear issue differ from previous administrations? Additionally, is there a possibility of Trump bypassing South Korea and negotiating directly with North Korea?
9. (Kelly) If talks between North Korea and the U.S. take place, there are discussions of a "small deal" progressing toward nuclear disarmament or freezing. However, a "small deal" directly contradicts South Korea's policy of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In this case, how should South Korea respond?
10. (Min) Contrary to expectations after his inauguration, President Trump showed some willingness to negotiate with China. How do you foresee the future of U.S.-China relations? Additionally, how should South Korea balance its diplomacy between the U.S. and China?
We'll have to leave our discussion right here, many thanks to , we appreciate it.
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2025-01-31, 20:30 (KST)