hankyoreh

U.S. President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address yesterday (local time) focused on domestic issues such as the economy and job creation. Obama, who has been dealing with public anger over the difficult economic situation symbolized by an unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent, made job creation his top priority. In order to embrace the middle class, shaken by the economic crisis, he pledged tax cuts and benefits, and adjusting his spending priorities, he said he plans to boost investment in education and the environment. Moreover, while acknowledging communication problems regarding the proposed health care reform, which has divided U.S. public opinion over the past year, he reaffirmed that he does not plan to retreat.

Obama’s address could be viewed as reflection of the past year, which saw the president’s approval rating drop from 70 percent to under 50 percent and the Democratic Party defeat in the special election in Massachusetts for late Senator Ted Kennedy’s seat, considered a safe Democratic Party seat, and also as a readjustment of policy priorities in accordance with public expectations.

There are voices of concern about this policy readjustment, however, particularly in the area of foreign affairs. The president spent only nine minutes of his 71-minute speech discussing international issues. Moreover, there were not clear verbal expressions of his intent to actively take charge. Observers are saying that no U.S. president in recent history has so negligently dealt with international issues in the State of the Union address.

If this is connected to U.S. foreign policy transition from unilateralism to multilateralism, it could be a good thing. However, given that a number international issues cannot be resolved unless the U.S. shows initiative, it is still important for the U.S. government to play an appropriate international role.

The North Korea nuclear issue is one such issue. President Obama warned that with the international community’s unified move to slap strong sanctions on North Korea has further isolated Pyongyang, which is pursuing nuclear weapons, and that if Pyongyang continues to refuse the demands of the international community, it would be met with serious consequences. That was the extent of his comments, however, and President Obama did not show an active will to resolve the issue.

In so doing, the U.S. could miss the chance to resolve its 50-year relationship of hostility with North Korea and help bring stability to the Korean Peninsula. Since the beginning of the Obama administration, North Korea has supported resolving issues through negotiations. If the U.S. shows a proactive stance, it is highly possible a breakthrough could be reached in resolving the nuclear issue. In this regard, a more active U.S. role is called for.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]