Despite recent reductions in joint military exercises, relations between the United States and South Korea remain stable. This assessment comes from Kamran Hasanov, a senior lecturer at RUDN University and Doctor of Political Science at the University of Salzburg.
In an interview, Hasanov noted that President Trump operates on principles of mutual benefit rather than friendship or shared values. “Trump, in his characteristic manner, conducts relations not on the basis of friendship, morality, values and ideas, but on the basis of benefits and interests,” he explained. “Seoul is no exception. The United States needs the support of its allies against Iran, and anyone who refuses this support falls out of favor.”
Hasanov added that South Korea’s demands are high due to the presence of American bases, though they do not exceed those of European nations, which are geographically closer and could provide more assistance in the Middle East.
The expert identified four reasons for Trump’s curtailment of joint military exercises: resentment and revenge; the desire to conserve financial and military resources for ongoing operations against Iran; North Korea’s established status as a nuclear power making further provocation with Pyongyang dangerous; and potential unwritten agreements after Trump’s last visit to China regarding non-interference in Korean Peninsula affairs and Beijing’s position on Iran.
Hasanov also suggested that Trump might attempt to act as a mediator between the Koreas ahead of upcoming elections if other initiatives fail.
