Korea’s prime time
The ascendancy of Donald J. Trump, a “modern Caligula with an iPhone” (as described by Sam Harris), is truly as historical as it is abnormal and has more potential for disaster (for Korea) than any immediate corruption and intrigue schemed by the current ruling entities.
The reason should be obvious enough: Korea is one of the few countries that share a land border with a hostile nation. The last war waged against this adversary concluded in a stalemate, despite receiving full military commitment from the United States. Casting security aside, as an export oriented economy Korean wealth and way of life is dependent on trade with this superpower. How alarming is it then that during the U.S. election campaign Trump opened fire on both issues, mentioning South Korea by name?
By declaring that South Korea is ripping off America, he threatens to withdraw the American military from South Korea that is according to him costing the U.S. so much money. He takes such an offense to this “waste” that he suggests an East-Asian nuclear arms race as a remedy. At the next political rally, Trump is seen lamenting at the uncontrolled flood of imported Korean television sets, even though at times he confuses them for Sony. (Which I must snigger at; when was the last time people purchased a Sony television?) Even if we cast these bombast’s as rhetoric, Trump is clearly a protectionist. He is pursuing an American first policy where American manufacturing trumps all other concerns.
There are very clear signs of this; he is resolute in torpedoing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal (which admittedly, does not include South Korea) as his first act in office. This is a clear sign that he wants to re-align existing trade relationships, even at the expense of giving up the painstakingly constructed economic encirclement and estrangement of China. And that is the key. Trump first and foremost seeks to restructure international relationships to construct a protectionist economy and he will reset international trade to achieve this end.
However, at this time there is something critically important South Korea can offer to the United States: something that Trump needs right now. Trump needs political capital. He lacks legitimacy and would revel in any international recognition. As a modern, industrialized and economic power-horse, Korea is in a unique position to offer Trump credibility, exposure and legitimacy.
Korea, if it acts quick enough, can present Trump a way to signal to his country and tell his people that Trump is prepared to act maturely, rationally, and indeed presidentially, by securing meetings, economic trade deals, military agreements and an opportunity to show faith to historical allies in strategic areas. As a bonus, Korea could at the same time help him embarrass his political enemies. In other words, we must tie up Trump while he is weak and offer him friendship. And when he becomes strong, he must feel emotionally attached to Korea.