Trump, South Korea, and political chaos

Trump will eventually turn his attention to South Korea. Seoul won't be ready.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has already reshaped U.S. foreign policy, and some commentators believe there will be no return to post-Cold War norms. No return to the liberal-democratic (or neocon, dependent on your point of view) norms to which we became accustomed. The world has changed and the impact is momentous. South Korea will not be spared.

Trump will eventually turn his attention to South Korea - when this occurs is important.

First, Trump’s attention will turn to South Korea at a time of his choosing. South Korea will not be prepared. South Korea stands at a precarious crossroads where economic challenges, security concerns, and shifting diplomatic alliances are converging in ways that could define its trajectory for years to come. Given the current political chaos, the looming election, a new South Korean administration, growing political extremism, and potentially vocal and active political disruption, the chances of South Korea being in a strong position to addre…