Bridging the Ambiguity-Explicitness Gap in the U.S.-South Korean Alliance

The U.S. and South Korea have differing views on the explicitness of U.S. nuclear security commitments, causing tension in their alliance. Washington fears that explicit commitments could limit its freedom of action and increase the risk of nuclear war, while Seoul believes clear commitments are essential to deter North Korean misjudgment. This divergence stems from differing policy preferences and a disparity of trust between the two allies. While the U.S. avoids specifying conditions for nuclear retaliation, South Korea insists on a clear pledge of nuclear retaliation for any North Korean nuclear attack. To strengthen trust and mitigate potential disagreements, furthering mutual understanding and establishing supplementary institutional mechanisms is needed.