Analysts suggest that Donald Trump’s return to the White House could dramatically shift the international order, with some noting that he may propose a direct meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
On Sunday, the Kookmin Ilbo and the Global Strategy Cooperation Institute jointly hosted a symposium titled “International Order After the U.S. Presidential Election.” It featured discussions on Trump’s potential foreign policy during a second term.
Panelists included former Russian ambassador Park No Byeok, former head of the National Diplomatic Academy Cho Byeong Je, and Professor Park Jun Yong from Yonsei University’s Graduate School of International Studies.
The experts agreed that Trump’s policies have inherently unpredictable elements, as Professor Park noted, describing Trump’s tendency to rely on his own judgment in response to each situation.
Moreover, it was suggested that Trump’s personal traits will drive his foreign policy approach. For example, Professor Park predicted that Trump might propose a meeting with Kim Jong Un within six months, expressing concern that any demands from Kim could potentially destabilize the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Notably, Former Russian Ambassador Park emphasized Trump’s desire to end the Ukraine war swiftly, suggesting this could become an additional variable for North Korea, unlike the expected benefits of sending troops to Russia.
As anticipated, Trump’s foreign policy would likely be highly centered on national interests. Former National Diplomatic Academy head Cho suggested that the U.S. might reduce overseas interventions and abandon its role as the “world’s police,” leading to a significant reduction in responsibilities within alliance systems.
The experts agreed that the current period represents a transition in the international order, and they emphasized that South Korea should actively seize this opportunity.
Former Ambassador Park No Byeok remarked, “We shouldn’t underestimate our capabilities. There’s no need for excessive fear or submissiveness.”
Hwang Jae Ho, director of the Global Strategy Cooperation Institute, urged South Korea to strengthen its capabilities, noting, “Trump has advantages in leveraging advanced technology, weapons, and capital from developed countries. His responses will vary depending on the negotiation agenda.”
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