Security Classification and Travel Restrictions: The U.S. Rewrites Its Global Relations

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The Trump administration’s intensified efforts reflect a growing trend towards redrawing the global political map. This approach classifies countries based on security and strategic criteria, weakening traditional alliances and reinforcing new divisions that increase geopolitical polarization worldwide.

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In this context, the U.S. Department of Energy has classified South Korea as a “sensitive country,” a move reflecting concerns about Seoul potentially developing nuclear capabilities, especially following the temporary imposition of martial law by its suspended president.
This decision places South Korea under special scrutiny despite its historical partnership with Washington.

At the same time, the Trump administration is considering imposing widespread travel restrictions on dozens of countries, further dividing the world into regions subject to strict selective policies.

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The measures include classifying approximately 41 countries into three categories:

• The first involves a complete visa suspension, affecting countries such as Iran, North Korea, and Syria.
• The second includes partial suspensions, affecting nations like Eritrea and Myanmar.
• The third involves countries at risk of future restrictions unless they address security deficiencies.

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South Korea’s Classification: Background and Implications

The U.S. Department of Energy classified South Korea as a “sensitive country” amid a domestic political crisis in Seoul and increasing discussions on its potential development of nuclear weapons.

This classification followed the temporary imposition of martial law by South Korea’s currently suspended president, raising concerns over Washington’s commitment to Seoul’s security.

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, South Korea was added to the list last January, during the final days of former President Joe Biden’s administration, without explicitly stating the reasons behind the move.

The classification takes effect on April 15, and the South Korean Foreign Ministry has stated it is taking the matter seriously while engaging in high-level consultations with Washington.

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Doubts Over U.S. Commitment

Despite agreements, political circles in South Korea continue to question Washington’s long-term commitment, particularly given the shifting policies between administrations.

While South Korea’s inclusion in the list may be driven by security or strategic concerns, it does not necessarily indicate a deterioration in U.S.-South Korea relations. However, it may prompt Seoul to reassess its defense policies and its strategic partnership with Washington.

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Details of the Potential Travel Ban

Complete Visa Suspension:

• Afghanistan
• Cuba
• Iran
• Libya
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Yemen

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Partial Visa Suspension (including tourist, student, and certain other visa categories):

• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Laos
• Myanmar
• South Sudan

Countries at Risk of Partial Visa Suspension if Security Deficiencies Are Not Addressed:

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Belarus
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Burkina Faso
• Cape Verde
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Chad
• Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

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• Dominica
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gambia
• Liberia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Pakistan
• Republic of the Congo
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Sierra Leone
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Vanuatu

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Implications

According to Reuters, Donald Trump’s policies regarding South Korea and the travel ban issue reflect a more conservative approach to handling sensitive international affairs, particularly those related to national security and immigration. This stance comes amid increasing global tensions, driven by security threats and political and diplomatic conflicts.

While South Korea’s classification as a “sensitive country” does not directly indicate a deteriorating relationship with Washington, it may raise concerns in Seoul about the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its allies.

Furthermore, expanding travel restrictions could have broader diplomatic repercussions. The Trump administration may face criticism from affected countries, as well as from human rights organizations and the international community.

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