New realpolitik and Korea
Less than two months into Trump’s presidency, sweeping policy changes are reshaping the United States. From the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants to reduced funding for educational institutions, I feel the impact of these changes in my workplace, neighborhood and streets. But the most profound transformation is unfolding on the global stage, as the traditional world order fractures under the weight of Trump’s "America First" doctrine. Longstanding U.S. allies, including the European Union, are grappling with this stark new reality, and Korea will likely face similar challenges.
I watched in shock last week’s confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump, in which the two leaders shouted at each other, and Vice President JD Vance scolded Zelenskyy for being disrespectful and ungrateful to the U.S. It was a spectacle: a raw and boorish reality TV show in which world leaders starred. The weaker leader, however, was badly bullied in front of a global audience. It was a stark contrast to just two years ago when Zelenskyy was hailed as a heroic defender of democracy, receiving a standing ovation in the U.S. Congress. How quickly allegiances shift.
Trump’s approach to Ukraine reflects his........
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