Surviving in the World: Ongoing US Diplomacy

Good morning. Welcome back to Surviving in the World (SIW), your biweekly newsletter written by CI students for anyone interested in global affairs. We always try to present select topics in global news in an easy-to-understand format.

Welcome to our exclusive series spotlighting U.S. foreign policy and leadership on the global stage. In this edition, we explore the strategic direction of U.S. diplomacy in 2022, focusing on major diplomatic events undertaken to safeguard national security and uphold international order.

Brought to you by Yoonjin Lee (’27) and Wendy An (’26)

Word Count: 657 / Time: 7 minute read.

In 2022, U.S. foreign policy aimed to stabilize international order and reinforce its influence in key regions. Major priorities included addressing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, enhancing strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific, and responding to economic and military competition with China.

Ukraine and Russia: The U.S. supported Ukraine's sovereignty by imposing severe sanctions on Russia for its military actions. This diplomatic response was coordinated closely with NATO allies and European partners, strengthening economic sanctions on Russia while providing humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke at Tuesday's peace talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations (source:Getty Images)

Let’s explore three key U.S. foreign policies

Indo-Pacific Strategy: To further develop this Indo-Pacific strategy, the United States adopted a multifaceted approach to strengthen regional stability. First, it deepened military and economic ties with allies, focusing on partnerships with Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Additionally, the U.S. emphasized multilateral alliances like the Quad and AUKUS to maintain freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

National Security Strategy: The Biden administration prioritized strengthening democracy and the rule of law domestically and internationally. By collaborating with allies, it tackled shared global issues like climate change. This strategy included a focus on competition with China, while emphasizing close cooperation with global partners to promote peace and democracy.

Let’s explore the direction of U.S. foreign policy with South Korea

U.S.-Korea Relations: The U.S. and South Korea enhanced economic and security cooperation. Following Yoon Suk Yeol's inauguration, the two leaders discussed high-tech industrial collaboration, covering supply chains, semiconductors, batteries, cybersecurity, space development, and participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework during their May meeting.

On the security front, Yoon stated that he would expand military exercises to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats while keeping the door open for denuclearization and dialogue. He also expressed a commitment to developing the South Korea-U.S. alliance into a global strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation in response to China.

Impact and Outcomes:

Ukraine and Russia: The U.S., alongside NATO, imposed severe sanctions on Russia and provided Ukraine with aid, strengthening Ukraine’s resistance but increasing global energy costs.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: By reinforcing alliances with Japan, South Korea, and Australia and collaborating through groups like the Quad, the U.S. promoted stability but intensified competition with China.
National Security: The focus on democracy and climate cooperation fostered global alliances but also created divisions, particularly with China.
U.S.-Korea Relations: Enhanced tech and security ties with South Korea boosted regional defense and economic resilience while balancing China's influence.

Questions raised:

Although U.S. and allied sanctions on Russia are showing short-term effects, there are concerns about the potential for a long-term resolution to the conflict and the impact of rising global energy costs. The Indo-Pacific strategy aims to check China’s influence and promote stability, but it raises questions about whether cooperation can be sustained without escalating military tensions. Additionally, there are uncertainties about the sustainability of U.S. efforts to promote democracy and human rights in ASEAN countries amid differing values, and whether security and economic cooperation with South Korea will significantly contribute to deterring North Korea and ensuring regional stability.

You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from SIW

Want to change how you receive these emails?