Stoa Policy Debate: South Korea (AFF)

The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, supposedly to protect them against a North Korean invasion. Maybe a generation or two ago that was needed, but no longer. South Korea outspends North Korea’s military substantially. They also have a much more sophisticated military. All of this obviates the need for a U.S. presence in South Korea. Keeping troops in South Korea also risks war with North Korea, since Kim Jong Un only threatens the U.S. because we threaten him. Withdrawing troops can defuse the situation and possibly incentivize Kim to denuclearize. All of this reduces the risk of war (both war between NK/SK and attack by NK against the US) and saves the U.S. billions annually.