Japan and South Korea are experiencing their most fragile political states in decades, coinciding with the second term of US President Donald Trump. The US has disrupted global order by making a direct deal with Russia over Ukraine, raising concerns that it may do the same with its Indo-Pacific allies. This comes after tensions between Tokyo and Washington began to rise during the end of Biden's term, when the outgoing president blocked Nippon Steel's takeover of U.S. Steel, and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was unable to meet with Trump despite repeated efforts.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/03/05/japan/japan-south-korea-age-of-america-first/