Sydney Seiler, senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), suggested in a CSIS podcast on Saturday that Trump has confidence in his ability to restart North Korea negotiations through his personal diplomacy at the right moment. Seiler added that current conditions appear favorable for a potential relationship reset between Trump and Kim.
Seiler explained that Trump's references to Kim as a 'Nuclear Power' aim to signal respect rather than treating North Korea as defeated. However, he emphasized that Russia has significantly reduced U.S. leverage. 'Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have laid a pathway for a protracted period of not needing to talk to the United States,' Seiler said. 'What could Donald Trump give Kim Jong Un that he's not getting from Vladimir Putin? I can't think of much.'"
When discussing the impact of South Korea's upcoming June 3 presidential election on U.S.-North Korea relations, Seiler suggested there would be continuity in approach regardless of the election outcome. He highlighted how both the Obama and first Trump administrations prioritized the alliance with South Korea, avoiding "Korea passing" scenarios that could create tensions.
Seiler cautioned that while South Korean conservative and progressive administrations differ in their North Korea approach, Pyongyang's behavior likely wouldn't change significantly based on which political camp wins. He warned progressives against expecting a simple return to the diplomatic climate of 2018 to 2019, emphasizing that current challenges in inter-Korean relations stem from North Korea's own decisions rather than the Yoon administration's policies.
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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