Messages of peace written by vistors hang from a tree in the exhibition center of Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, South Korea, in February. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo
The United States stands at a pivotal crossroads in its foreign policy as it navigates the challenges of maintaining global influence while ensuring the security and prosperity of its citizens. Among the many pressing international issues, supporting the Korean people in their pursuit of a free and unified Korea emerges as a crucial priority. A unified Korea would not only lead to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula but also bring economic benefits, bolster strategic competition with China, align with core American values, and advance the principles of president-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” policy. Furthermore, a unified U.S.-Korea alliance would reinforce the United States’ influence in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure the security of its allies.
Denuclearization and the elimination of threats to the United States Advertisement
North Korea’s nuclear weapons program has long been a destabilizing force in the region and a direct threat to U.S. national security. The regime’s repeated missile tests and provocative rhetoric endanger not only South Korea and Japan but also the American homeland. Supporting the Korean people in their quest for unification under a democratic government provides a path to addressing this threat. Advertisement
Denuclearization would remove a significant point of leverage for authoritarian regimes and reduce the potential for nuclear proliferation in a sensitive region. For the United States, this means fewer resources dedicated to countering North Korean provocations, fewer risks of conflict, and a safer homeland.
Economic benefits for American businesses and people
A free and unified Korea offers significant economic opportunities for the United States. The resource-rich northern part of Korea is home to vast reserves of rare earth minerals essential for high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy systems, and defense technologies. Gaining access to these resources would reduce America’s dependence on China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market. At the same time, it would prevent China from accessing those resources.
Additionally, a unified Korea would likely emerge as a robust economic partner. The expanded Korean defense industry, no longer constrained by the isolation of the North, would contribute to the “Arsenal of Democracy” by producing advanced weaponry and defense systems for allied nations. This collaboration would invigorate American industries through joint ventures, technological exchanges, and increased exports, creating jobs and bolstering the U.S. economy.
Winning strategic competition with China
China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region poses a significant challenge to the United States. A unified Korea aligned with democratic values would serve as a counterbalance to China’s expanding regional dominance. The presence of a strong U.S.-Korea alliance would strengthen the rules-based international order, deter Chinese aggression, and reinforce the principle of sovereignty for smaller nations. Advertisement
A unified Korea could also act as a bridge between democratic nations in Asia, fostering closer cooperation among allies such as Japan, Australia, and India. This coalition would amplify U.S. efforts to contain China’s assertiveness, secure vital trade routes, and maintain freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. By supporting Korean unification, the United States demonstrates its commitment to standing with its allies and defending the values that underpin global stability.
Alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals and values
The pursuit of a free and unified Korea aligns seamlessly with American foreign policy objectives and values. The United States has long championed self-determination, democracy, and human rights. Supporting the Korean people’s aspirations for freedom and unity reflects these principles and reinforces America’s moral authority on the global stage.
A unified Korea would symbolize the triumph of democracy over dictatorship, providing a powerful example for oppressed peoples around the world. It would reaffirm the U.S. commitment to fostering peace and security through the promotion of democratic governance. By standing with the Korean people, the United States not only advances its strategic interests but also upholds the values that define its national character.
Contributing to president-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” policy Advertisement
The concept of an “America First” foreign policy emphasizes prioritizing American security, economic prosperity, and leadership. Supporting Korean unification fits squarely within this framework. Denuclearization would directly enhance U.S. security by removing the nuclear threat to the U.S. homeland, while economic engagement with a unified Korea would yield substantial benefits for American businesses and workers.
Moreover, a unified Korea would reduce the financial and military burden on the United States by fostering a more self-reliant and capable ally in the region. As Korea takes on a greater role in ensuring regional stability, the United States can allocate resources more efficiently, addressing domestic priorities while maintaining its global influence. This pragmatic approach to foreign policy underscores the synergy between America’s interests and the aspirations of the Korean people.
Supporting Korean unification serves several key “America First” objectives:
1. It will remove a dangerous nuclear threat to the U.S. homeland.
2. It would reduce the security burden and financial costs of maintaining large U.S. forces in Korea to deter North Korean aggression.
3. Opening North Korea’s economy would create new markets for American goods and investment opportunities for U.S. companies.
4. A unified Korea would be a stronger ally able to take greater responsibility for its own defense, reducing reliance on U.S. security guarantees. Advertisement
5. Resolving the “Korean question,” the unnatural division of the peninsula, would allow the United States to focus more attention and resources on other priorities, like domestic economic development.
6. A unified Korea in partnership with the United States will contribute to winning strategic competition with China by eliminating China’s ability to exploit North Korea to create security dilemmas.
Strengthening the unified U.S.-Korea alliance
A free and unified Korea would be a linchpin of the United States’ strategic position in the Asia-Pacific. The alliance between the United States and a unified Korea would serve as a powerful deterrent against regional adversaries, ensuring peace and stability. This partnership would enable more effective coordination in addressing security challenges, from countering missile threats to combating cyberattacks.
The economic and military strength of a unified Korea would enhance the collective defense capabilities of the region, reducing the likelihood of conflict. The United States, as a key ally, would benefit from improved intelligence-sharing, joint military exercises, and the presence of advanced Korean technologies in its defense arsenal. Such a robust alliance would not only secure the Asia-Pacific but also reaffirm America’s role as a global leader.
Ensuring U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific is a critical region for global trade, security, and diplomacy. A unified Korea would strengthen the United States’ ability to shape regional dynamics and counterbalance China’s influence. By fostering closer ties with Korea, the United States ensures its continued presence in a region that accounts for a significant portion of the world’s economic activity. Advertisement
Furthermore, a unified Korea, as a democratic and economically vibrant nation, would advocate for free trade, fair competition, and respect for international law. These principles align with U.S. priorities and contribute to a stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific, benefiting not only regional actors but also the global community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, supporting the Korean people’s aspirations for a free and unified nation serves vital U.S. interests across multiple domains. It would enhance American and global security, create economic opportunities, reinforce core values, and strengthen the U.S. strategic position. It also reinforces the pragmatic goals of the “America First” policy by prioritizing U.S. security and prosperity. While the path to unification will undoubtedly be complex and challenging, it represents a historic opportunity to resolve one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints and build a more stable, prosperous future for Northeast Asia and beyond.
David Maxwell is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel who has spent more than 30 years in the Asia Pacific region. He specializes in Northeast Asian Security Affairs and unconventional, and political warfare. He is Vice President of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Foundation. Following retirement, he was Associate Director of the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. He is on the board of directors of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the OSS Society and is a contributing editor to Small Wars Journal. Advertisement
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
