August 26, 2025, 6:02 am
Since the end of World War II, South Korea and Japan have relied on the enduring presence of the United States in the region. By outsourcing their security to Washington, both nations were able to look past their complex histories and geographies to become economic and cultural powerhouses. However, the return of Donald Trump is a stark reminder that the America they once depended on is quickly fading.
South Korea and Japan now face a reckoning: how to thrive—and cooperate—as sovereign nation-states in a world beyond Pax Americana. Yet both are grappling with deep internal challenges, including economic decline and political strife, that are steadily eroding national cohesion. Moreover, both nations remain haunted by historical grievances that continue to hinder efforts at bilateral cooperation.
How are South Korea and Japan faring internally as they confront economic and political instability? How are both nations attempting to reimagine their roles in a highly contested region? And can they finally bury the hatchet to begin genuinely working together—without the binding force of US power?
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
