The ROK-US alliance should move beyond defense to a nuclear partnership powering clean energy and countering authoritarian influence.
A Visionary Alliance Forged in History
Seventy years ago, amidst the ashes of the devastating Korean War that left its landscape and economy in ruins, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States made a visionary commitment that extended far beyond immediate survival. This commitment was formalized in the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty, whose preamble envisioned broader peace in the Pacific, with both nations understanding that nurturing the ROK’s prosperity would cultivate a future partner in regional security. This prescient vision for collective security provided the shield for the ROK to rebuild, enabling the “Miracle on the Han River.” Ultimately, the alliance transformed the nation into a key contributor to peace and security in the Pacific, proving the founders’ vision prophetic: a partnership where the ROK stands alongside America as a guardian of regional stability and shared prosperity.
A New Era, A New Alliance
Now, our two nations stand at another historic turning point. An unseen war is being waged globally—a battle for stable, clean energy sources to combat the climate crisis and ensure national energy security. In this landscape, affordable, carbon-free, and reliable nuclear power is an indispensable solution that must be deployed worldwide. The urgency is compounded by the actions of authoritarian states. China and Russia are aggressively exporting their nuclear reactors, particularly to developing nations in Africa and Asia, using opaque financing and state-controlled enterprises to expand their geopolitical influence. More alarmingly, their approach often comes with lax non-proliferation standards, creating serious risks of nuclear material diversion and threatening the integrity of the non-proliferation regime. To counter this strategic energy dominance and to promote the peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy under a robust non-proliferation framework, a ROK-US Nuclear Alliance is not just beneficial; it is imperative for the defense and global spread of liberal democratic values.
Complementary Strengths, Shared Leadership
This alliance would create perfect synergy through complementary strengths, forging a partnership greater than the sum of its parts. By integrating our nuclear supply chains as if sharing a common lifeblood, we can create an unrivaled competitive edge. The United States brings its unparalleled leadership in advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs), a world-class regulatory framework under the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the deepest capital markets on earth. However, it has struggled with the high costs and lengthy construction timelines of large-scale projects. This is precisely where the ROK excels. With a highly efficient and vertically integrated supply chain, a skilled nuclear workforce, and the proven expertise of companies like Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the ROK has demonstrated an unmatched ability to build reactors safely, on time, and within budget, as evidenced by the landmark Barakah project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This partnership would swiftly outcompete Russian and Chinese offerings, establishing our alliance as the world’s premier and most responsible nuclear energy exporter.
From Words to Action
To validate the feasibility of this alliance and forge an unbreakable bond, we must move beyond rhetoric and take immediate, concrete action. The upcoming ROK-US summit on August 25 presents the perfect opportunity to officially declare this nuclear alliance. As a concrete project to realize this vision, the two countries should jointly undertake the initiative announced by President Donald Trump to launch ten large-scale nuclear power plant projects by 2030. These projects could proceed based on the concept of “sanctuary” that I proposed in May. This initiative would serve as a powerful proof of concept, allowing both nations to harmonize regulatory standards, integrate our supply chains, and create a successful, replicable model for future global projects. Furthermore, they should announce the activation of the ROK-US High-Level Bilateral Commission before the end of this year to execute the project. This commission requires no new legislation; it was already established by the 2015 ROK-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement precisely for this purpose. Activating it sends a clear signal of our commitment. Let this upcoming summit be the moment we officially declare the ROK-US Nuclear Alliance and launch the commission that will bring it to life.
Beyond Defense: A True Partnership for the Future
The time has come to elevate our partnership beyond its military origins into a comprehensive alliance for the twenty-first century. The decision before our leaders today is as consequential as the one made in 1953. By forging this ROK-US nuclear alliance, we are not just building power plants; we are building a future powered by clean energy, secured by shared democratic values, and stabilized by a robust non-proliferation regime. Let us seize this historic opportunity to create a true alliance that shares its lifeblood not just through defense commitments, but through intertwined nuclear technology and economic partnership. This is the next wise step in our shared journey, honoring the visionary legacy of our 70-year-old treaty and securing a future of peace and prosperity for the entire world.
About the Author: Joohyun Moon
Joohyun Moon is a Professor of Energy Engineering at Dankook University. He serves as the President of the Board of Directors at the Institute for Korea Spent Nuclear Fuel. He is also the Vice President of both the Korean Nuclear Society and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Materials Management. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee for the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission. He earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Seoul National University in 1996.
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