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Description

This Strategic Forum paper examines the evolving trajectory of the Republic of Korea–United States alliance amid shifting political, security, and strategic conditions in Northeast Asia. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, the author argues that the alliance must adapt beyond its traditional focus on deterring North Korea to address new challenges, including Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program, generational political change in South Korea, and the broader U.S. global war on terrorism. The paper analyzes growing tensions in alliance perceptions, debates over U.S. force posture, operational control, and anti-American sentiment, and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategic plan to guide future cooperation. It proposes steps for resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis, strengthening trilateral coordination with Japan, managing adjustments to U.S. forces in Korea, and building a long-term peace regime on the Korean Peninsula while sustaining credible deterrence.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Korean Peninsula, South Korea, United States

Topic(s)

National Security, Defense Policy, Strategic Competition

Publication Date

4-2003

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

ROK–U.S. alliance, South Korea, United States, Korean Peninsula, North Korea, nuclear crisis, alliance management, U.S. force posture, operational control, Northeast Asia security

The ROK–U.S. Alliance: Where Is It Headed?

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