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As the peoples of the world move closer to a new year, there is time to reflect on opportunities, challenges and successes. The United States and South Korea are but two of many, many global partners and nations. There's no perfect place or perfection under the sun, moon and stars. However, much good has occurred this year in the alliance and through our cooperation. Challenges and threats remain, as they always will do. We have no real choice but to face them.
The United States and South Korea continue to develop and deepen their alliance, both for the security of Northeast Asia and the peoples of the world. Our economic and trade relations deepen for the good of both economies. President Yoon and his administration also have made strides in relation with many other economies: Israel, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia are just a few of the nations with whom the government has reached positive developments and milestones. I see no reason this situation won't continue in 2023.
Security relations are never free from change, at least over time. This reality remains true in Northeast Asia. China's growing ambitions have put democracies on their heels. Hong Kong still languishes, left alone, a sign of the need to join potentials to deter further such acts. Putin's example is another face of the autocratic bent, war crimes and all.
North Korea continues to develop her nuclear and missile potential. South Korea and the United States continue to deepen their cooperation and partnership for security and stability. Other nations, including Japan and Australia, will necessarily continue to form partners for this important context. Arguably, the present challenge wants old enemies and neutral nations to look at one another anew ― hard as that might be.
The Itaewon tragedy remains with South Koreans and their friends around the world. Just as with the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, there are lessons South Korea's government and people will learn and reforms and changes to assure that the needless loss of life doesn't recur. The loss of young life is hardest to accept, and reducing its incidence, across all matter of threats, be they suicide, low job prospects or the need for hope, is a critical priority.
Of course, no one should be romantic about the present or future, as many challenges and threats remain. The global recovery, including South Korea's trade volume, has not yet returned to wanted levels. Many economic indexes remain negative. With the unprecedented jolt of COVID-19 and its aftermath, the recovery is sluggish and not uniform. Inflation from various stimuli and short supplies of goods and services continue. Trade and global supply chains have splintered. China continues her trade practices with other autocratic powers. Our governments must act carefully and continue to coordinate interests and policies. Global security and the global economy's future depend on it.
American and South Korean families need further investments in the economies and societies of the future. Our two democracies aren't and needn't be doubles. Both need policies that develop the workforce and provide for the unemployed. South Korea and the United States must encourage the prospects and results for families. We must use positive immigration policies to renew our democratic commitments. Doing so also will attend prudently to demographic trends and their effects.
Leaders who make big promises but don't deliver only fan the flames of extremist factions and dire prophecies. Sober and reasoned leadership remains necessary. Due to relative expectations, a shortfall in public understanding of "delayed satisfaction" grows. Leaders promise more, too much, and nearly everywhere. Real progress doesn't happen with the spin of a top! Leadership and citizenship involve education about the need for patience. The causes of peace and harmony want leaders who build public understanding. Zelenskyy is an excellent example of what this entails.
Thinking of the future should involve looking to the past. If we pick a horizon of 50 or 100 years, both the peoples of South Korea and the United States know that progress has occurred ― real and significant progress, because of steady efforts, hard work and cooperation, within and across our great societies. I'm hopeful 2023 will be a better year for our peoples and for all peoples of the world.
Bernard Rowan (browan10@yahoo.com) is associate provost for contract administration and academic services and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University.
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