Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Asia / Politics & Policy From military alliance to economic partnership: How Trump is redefining U.S.-South Korea ties
Asia

August 25, 2026

Politics & Policy From military alliance to economic partnership: How Trump is redefining U.S.-South Korea ties

It would be a mistake for allies to think that increased defense spending or economic ties will buy U.S. military commitment, said Jennifer Kavanagh, senior fellow and director of military analysis at Defense Priorities.

Semiconductor trade or cooperation on shipbuilding can continue, separate from the U.S. military presence in Asia, she said.

“The terms of exchange might change, but a smaller military footprint and narrower set of commitments in Asia would also free U.S. economic resources for investment at home and abroad,” she said.

Read at CNBC

Featuring

Jennifer
Kavanagh

Senior Fellow & Director of Military Analysis

Defense Priorities

More on Asia

In the mediaChina, Asia, China‑Taiwan

AI, Trade, Taiwan—Here’s What To Expect From The Trump-Xi DC Summit: Expert

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

September 21, 2026

In the mediaChina, Asia

Could mystery Shanghai vessel be a mothership for China’s underwater drones?

September 18, 2026

In the mediaChina, Asia, Naval power

U.S. Marine Stand-In Forces in the Pacific worry China, report details

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

September 15, 2026

In the mediaChina‑Taiwan, Asia, Basing and force posture, China, Military analysis

Trump and ‘strategic ambiguity’ over Taiwan

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

September 14, 2026

Op-edChina, Asia

How President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s Xi Jinping can yield dividends

By Lyle Goldstein

September 13, 2026

In the mediaChina‑Taiwan, Asia, Basing and force posture, China, Military analysis

Trump’s relations with China

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

September 13, 2026

Events on Asia

See All Events
virtualEurope and Eurasia, Asia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Alignment with restraint?

February 9, 2026
virtualAsia

What’s Next for U.S. Foreign Policy in 2026? Asia Edition

January 14, 2026
virtualGreat power competition, Balance of power, China, Grand strategy, Middle East

U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

June 10, 2025

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

Defense Priorities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by American individuals and foundations—no funding comes from the United States government or any foreign government.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.