Pentagon Strategy Assigns Seoul Primary Role in Deterring North Korea

Overview

• Pentagon guidance says South Korea can lead deterrence against the North, citing its powerful military, high defense spending, robust industry, and mandatory conscription.
• It characterizes North Korea as a direct military threat to Seoul and calls its nuclear forces a clear and present danger to the United States.
• The shift in responsibilities is presented as consistent with planned adjustments to the U.S. force posture on the Korean Peninsula.
• The strategy directs prioritizing incentives for allies in Europe, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula to take primary responsibility for their defense with only critical U.S. support.
• The document offers a policy direction without detailing immediate operational changes, as South Korea continues expanding capabilities and hosts about 28,500 U.S. troops.