U.S.-ROK Alliance in a shifting world order: Interview with Evans Revere, Former U.S. Acting Assistant Sec. of State

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

U.S. President Donald Trump's second term is in full swing, with his administration aggressively pushing to resolve the wars in Ukraine and Gaza while reprioritizing America's global commitments.

Under the revived "America First" doctrine, traditional alliances are being redefined or tested.

The U.S.-ROK alliance now stands at a critical juncture.

South Korea is navigating a leadership transition, while the regional balance SHIFTS due to deepening North Korea–Russia ties and heightened U.S.–China confrontation.

Tariff threats, increased defense cost-sharing demands, and signals of a new approach toward North Korea raise urgent questions about the stability and future of the alliance.

On Within The Frame today, we speak with Evans Revere—Former U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and longtime Korea expert—to assess what lies ahead for the U.S.-ROK alliance in an increasingly volatile global order. Welcome, Mr. Revere

1. It's been nearly four months since President Trump's second-term administration took office.

And as you know, South Korea is awaiting a snap election within a few weeks. How would you assess the current state of the Seoul-Washington alliance?

2. Lately, the Trump administration has been focusing on resolutions to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, seemingly at the expense of traditional alliances.

Do you think President Trump's anti-alliance stance—as seen in his approach to ceasefire talks in Ukraine—also negatively impact the Seoul-Washington alliance?

3. In fact, President Trump is pressuring South Korea on two fronts—tariffs and increased defense cost-sharing.

In light of Trump's anti-alliance posture Mr.Revere, what diplomatic tools can South Korea use to take the lead in redefining or reinforcing the alliance?

4. There is growing analysis that Trump's "America First" agenda is raising uncertainty around the Seoul-Washington-Tokyo trilateral alliance, which had been solidified under the Biden administration. What is your outlook on the trilateral alliance going forward?

5. There is speculation that if President Trump succeeds in brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine, his next focus will shift to North Korea.

In a previous interview, you expressed concern over the possibility of Trump pursuing arms control talks with Pyongyang.

Could you elaborate on that concern?

6. Meanwhile, President Trump is pressuring NATO allies to raise their defense spending to 5% of GDP.

What implications does this version of "America First" policy have for the security order in Northeast Asia, especially in the joint response framework against North Korea's nuclear threat?

7. Trump's "America First" strategies are widely seen as weakening U.S. global leadership.

Some say this could offer its rival, China, an opportunity to expand its influence in the international arena.

What are your thoughts on this, and how is China currently moving?

8. So, given China's rising assertiveness, the U.S. may demand even stronger allied cooperation from South Korea.

How should South Korea respond?

9. With North Korea and Russia growing increasingly close, and U.S.-ROK relations entering a period of transition, U.S.-China confrontation is also intensifying.

In this rapidly shifting security landscape, what efforts do you believe the next South Korean administration should make to strengthen its diplomatic and security capabilities?

Mr.Revere, we'll have to conclude our discussion right here, thank you so much for making time for us tonight.