On the record · Updated October 18, 2026
professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University
2 things Leif-Eric Easley said, verbatim, on August 17, 2026, each linked to where it ran. Grouped by the story each one belongs to.
More on the record
As printed
“Scaling them back can damage alliance coordination, slow the process of South Korea taking on greater responsibility for its own defense, and weaken deterrence against possible conflicts in Asia”
on strategic risks of scaling back US-South Korea joint military exercises
NBC News Trump orders military to ‘substantially reduce’ joint exercises with South Korea ›
As printed
“North Korea is busy profiting from Russia's war against Ukraine while modernizing its own military”
on North Korea's military ties with Russia amid US-South Korea drill cuts
NBC News Trump orders military to ‘substantially reduce’ joint exercises with South Korea ›
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