[Dialogue] Trump Redux—To Overcome It, We Need Multilateralism!
The Quarterly Changbi 207, Spring 2025
Abstract
In the Dialogue section, former Secretariat Kim Chang-su of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council moderated a conversation between member of the National Assembly Kim Joon Hyung and Economist Choi Pae Kun. They engaged in an in-depth debate over how South Korea should respond to the second Trump administration and the changing world order. President Trump is heightening tension and anxiety in the world by strictly pursuing an “America First” strategy focused solely on U.S. national interests. Further, worsening U.S.-China competition poses a significant challenge to Koreans, as we must maintain a balance between the two. The participants propose that we strengthen our democratic capabilities, enhance the country's strategic autonomy based on this foundation, and actively participate in the formation of multilateral blocs. Discussing practical measures for multilateral consultative bodies, such as the formation of the G10 and anti-tariff alliances, adds concreteness to their proposal.