이란전 수렁 빠진 트럼프, 동맹에 화풀이…한국도 ‘희생양’

Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, struggled to find an exit strategy during the prolonged Iran conflict, refusing to cooperate with allies and pressuring them. South Korea, too, has been labeled as a "recent recent and surprising sacrifice" in recent American media analysis. Axios reported on November 18 that Trump has publicly criticized allies who have not participated in the war, claiming that their failure to support the U.S. has set a new rule for how American partners should behave.

Despite having a formidable military and economic power, Trump's efforts to defeat Iran over a six-month period have not worked. Allies who did not join the conflict are now voicing their grievances. Axios analyzed how Trump's presidency has exacerbated these sentiments, with the Department of Defense sending a "loyalty survey" to NATO allies, asking about their support for the U.S. and restrictions on the use of U.S. military bases and weapons.

Germany's Chancellor Merkels withdrew 5,000 U.S. troops, while Spain refused to use a U.S. strike site, resulting in trade sanctions and a threatened NATO membership suspension. Even Oman, as a neutral mediator, has not hesitated to issue threatening statements. Concerns are growing about the impact of reduced joint military exercises on military preparedness.

Former Defense Secretary Dan Pfeiffer criticized the training reduction decision, stating that it weakens South Korea and Japan, intimidates Taiwan, unsettles NATO, and emboldens China and North Korea. CFR fellow Charles Kuppian also noted that while more defense contributions from allies are warranted, the unpredictable approach of Trump ultimately insults allies and undermines cohesion.