U.S.-South Korea Alliance in Transition: What’s Next Under New Leadership? | Ep. 11

In this episode of Eye on Korea, KEI President Scott Snyder speaks with Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute about how the U.S.-South Korea alliance might evolve in a second Trump administration and under new leadership in Seoul. Drawing from Cronin’s new report, Strategic Alignment in an Era of Uncertainty, the episode examines how the two allies could recalibrate defense cooperation, navigate shifting command structures, and manage extended deterrence in a more volatile security environment.

Dr. Cronin outlines a series of policy recommendations focused on defense industrial cooperation, technological competitiveness, and evolving command structures, including the ongoing discussion around wartime operational control. He also addresses challenges related to extended deterrence and debates surrounding South Korea’s nuclear policy, as well as the future of the Nuclear Consultative Group and other bilateral coordination mechanisms.

The episode also looks at the future of U.S.-Korea-Japan trilateral coordination in light of political transitions across all three countries. While recent progress has strengthened ties, upcoming anniversaries and unresolved historical issues could once again test the relationship. Cronin points to practical steps that sub-national actors in both countries can take to maintain momentum, regardless of political shifts at the top.

Read Dr. Cronin's full report here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/media.hudson.org/Strategic+Alignment+in+an+Era+of+Uncertainty+Patrick+Cronin.pdf

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