Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2014
South Korea’s most important bilateral relationship with regard to security and economics is with the United States. When the ROK–US alliance began formally after the Korean War, the relationship was a highly asymmetrical patron–client one. In the years that followed, Washington was the primary guarantor of ROK security and sponsor of its economy. In turn, South Korea had a difficult time opposing US wishes as Washington could wield heavy economic and military leverage to coerce Seoul’s compliance.
As South Korea’s economy developed, so too did its power and position within the alliance. South Korea developed a formidable military that assumed a greater share of its own defense while also contributing to US and international security operations. The ROK economy ended its dependence on US economic and military aid, becoming a major economic power in its own right. Seoul was able to push the limits of the alliance for greater freedom of movement and the ability to pursue ROK interests as its leaders saw them.
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