Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, unpacks the Trump administration’s national security priorities, which he groups into homeland defense and the Indo-Pacific. He weighs in on why he’s impressed with South Korea’s early moves under the Lee administration, but warns that Seoul may be overly optimistic about Washington’s expectations.

Dr. Cooper also discusses Trump’s demands of allies to increase defense spending, the possibility of U.S. troop withdrawals from South Korea as leverage, and how extended deterrence guarantees could gradually weaken until Seoul offers more. The conversation also explores where North Korea sits on the U.S.-ROK priority list, how China factors into the Trump-Lee summit, and the future of OP-CON and strategic flexibility.

Looking ahead at the summit in DC on August 25, Dr. Cooper explains why shipbuilding is a smart bet for President Lee to keep Washington engaged and invested in South Korea’s defense.

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