Matters of a nation’s politics never used to interest other countries but concerned those within their borders. Unlike in the old days, when a country’s political affairs affected its economy, the borders today are only imaginary. Hence, the politics of South Korea affect its economy, as well as the economies of other countries, including the US.
Politics affects the global economy and has a direct influence on national and global security, depending on which alliance a nation joins. The US is a major power that influences the economy, politics, and security of the globe, and it’s always keen on what goes on within other powerful nations.
Therefore, even though South Korea is far away geographically, the relationship between it and the US is more than one could imagine. From economic relations to security agreements, there are many reasons why South Korean elections are of key interest to the United States.
In this article, find out why the elections matter to a superpower country with a far larger economy than South Korea.
Trade and Economic Relationships
The United States, which is the largest economy, needs trading partners with purchasing power for its goods and services. Hence, South Korea has always been an importer of goods and services, which is a favorable relationship to maintain. On the other hand, South Korea is also becoming a major exporter, especially of technologies that are in high demand in US industries. Hence, the two nations have greater interests that they wish their next leaders to uphold and maintain.
The two countries also signed a free trade agreement (KORUS FTA), which allows the exchange of goods and services. This economic agreement has led to the creation of jobs and powering economic growth in both nations, although not in equal measure.
Hence, even as investors follow the outcome at luxurious places like https://gangnam-ten5.com/ they very well know that the new leader has a significant role in trade policies and market regulations. Their economic policies on foreign investment can potentially negatively or positively affect the interests of American businesses and industries.
Common Security Alliance
The United States and South Korea have all been interested in global security for many years. Since the Second World War, nations have come to the realization that having nations as friends who can defend and fight against their enemies determines how well their citizens and interests are protected. The formation of strong security alliances has become the interest of both countries. The two nations have been in the same alliance for decades because they believe in the same values and interests.
The growing security relation has seen the US military stationing their troops in South Korea, including the Korean Peninsula. This offers the US an advantage over their would-be enemies in case of aggression from the northeast region and aids in regional stability. That being said, if any new leader feels to be on the contrary opinion, it may influence defense policies and alliance commitments that would expose the security of the United States.
The North Korean Matter
The issue of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program has remained a thorn in the flesh of the US and other nations with the same view about its future intentions. That’s the reason the Korean Peninsula remains a key defense station for the US military as long as North Korea continues to hold its stand and makes it one of the most volatile and challenging security concerns in the world.
Hence, as long as the nuclear weapons program hasn’t been solved, South Korea remains an important ally. Its elections can, therefore, reshape the country’s policy towards the elimination of potential nuclear threats. The cooperation is further complicated by South Korea’s diplomatic ties with regional countries, including China, Japan, and Russia, which can also influence the progress of disarming North Korea because of shared interests in areas such as trade, energy, and environmental protection.
Influence on Global Organization
South Korea has a strong and robust foreign policy that has led to its growing influence worldwide. Its position in addressing global challenges concerns other nations that may need it, whether at the United Nations, G20, or ASEAN.
Hence, the US has always reached out to it and other nations when advancing shared objectives in these forums, and it is a concern whether the support will continue when a new leader comes into power. So, whenever the country goes into elections, progress on global peace, human rights, climate change, terrorism, and cybersecurity and development is at stake.
