South Korea and fears of U.S. abandonment

U.S. foreign policy and political instability have fueled South Korea's concern the alliance won't last

Abandonment syndrome (or security dilemma) refers to the psychological and strategic anxiety experienced by a country when it fears being deserted or neglected by a crucial ally, especially in times of need. This syndrome is characterized by a deep-seated worry that the ally will either withdraw support or fail to fulfill its commitments, leaving the concerned nation vulnerable to external threats.

In the context of South Korea's alliance with the United States, abandonment syndrome manifests through fears that the US might not fully honor its defense commitments, especially in the face of North Korean aggression or broader geopolitical shifts. South Korea worries that the US, focused on other global priorities or constrained by domestic pressures, might deprioritize its security or hesitate to intervene in a conflict. This anxiety is heightened by North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities and the perception that the US might avoid risking a nuclear confrontation to protect South Kore…