A U.S. plan for a leaner military with less money is an inevitable step for Washington to cut its huge budget deficit and meet the rapidly changing global security environment. It signals changes, if not drastic, in America’s role to police the world. However, it is not likely to dictate an immediate demise of the sole global superpower. Rather, the move is intended to help the United States keep that role with slimmer but more effective armed forces.
The strategy overhaul reflects a fatigue resulting from a decade of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It appears that the U.S. will no longer be able to wage two wars simultaneously. But Washington officials are trying to ensure the world that it still has the capability to confront a war in Korea and threats in the Strait of Hormuz at the same time.
Now, South Koreans are focusing their attention on whether America would really come to their rescue if a war broke out on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East simultaneously. Many, if not most, may feel uneasy about national security in case the United States is unable to do so. However, it is not necessary for them to worry too much as President Barack Obama has put a bigger priority on Asia.
It is worth noting that Washington has reaffirmed its commitment to security in the Asia-Pacific region, while suggesting a reduced role in Europe. This policy shift is as part of U.S. efforts to pursue its growing interests in rapidly emerging Asia, including China. It is also apparently aimed at containing an increasingly assertive China and countering its military buildup.
Seoul needs to take advantage of Washington’s stress on Asia. It is important for the two traditional allies to map out a more effective win-win strategy to ensure peace and stability on the peninsula. Stepped-up defense and security cooperation is crucial to deterrence against North Korea which is in the process of hereditary power transition following the death of Kim Jong-il. The changing U.S. policy should not send the wrong signal to the belligerent North.
South Korea is to take over wartime military control from the U.S. forces stationed in the country in 2015. This takeover will have significant implications in line with the strategy shift. Needless to say, Seoul will have to beef up its own defense capabilities. That’s why the South should make thorough preparations for the command transfer. Washington should also prove that its military spending cut will not come at the expense of security in the critical region.
The U.S. might demand the South share a bigger burden for maintaining 28,000 American troops. In addition, Washington could consider pulling part of its troops from the South, despite its Asia-centered strategy. Against the backdrop, the Seoul government should make efforts to minimize the potential fallout of the changing U.S. plan.