The Democratic debate that took place on February 19th in Las Vegas proved to be one for the books as six Democratic candidates — Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, Mike Bloomberg and Joe Biden — have gathered to affirm their stance on existing issues, policies, and values.
However, what surprised the public was the fact that none of them seemed to touch on the topic of foreign policy. It was especially even more surprising because a number of these candidates have expressed their disapproval of the Iraq War declared by George W. Bush 15 years prior.
Despite the lack of mention, it goes without saying that foreign policy should be of great importance to the President-to-be, and these Democratic candidates have previously made statements defining their stance on international relations. Senator Bernie Sanders, for example, has made it clear that he believes this country should not completely rely on U.S. militia to “protect” American citizens. He hopes to place less emphasis on military strength and focus more on creating peaceful international relations. Elizabeth Warren, on the other hand, also believes in reducing military power but wants to give her government the power and resources to strengthen relations with foreign allies.
So what does all this mean for the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea? Although they currently have a security alliance between them as a good number of American troops are stationed in South Korean grounds, some Democratic candidates have expressed wanting to invest less in militia. Currently, South Korea and the United States have agreed to share the cost of having the latter’s troops act as possible protection from North Korea. However, with the peace treaty currently in the process of being made between North and South Korea to end military hostilities between the two countries, the need for foreign assistance could be reduced as well, meaning that the United States might not have to invest a hefty amount of funds in keeping troops on foreign grounds.
For now, the outcome is unpredictable as the Presidential election process is still ongoing. If a Democratic candidate becomes anointed the next commander-in-chief, there might be some significant changes to U.S. foreign policy and relations between American and South Korea. If Donald Trump is re-elected, we might see little to no change at all. Regardless, the results are much anticipated by the public.
Julie Kim
Asia Journal
(Los Angeles Times Advertising Supplement)
