Was Syngman Rhee a puppet of America, a colonial sympathizer, or a strategic realist? Explore how he used America’s heroic image to pursue Korea’s national interest.👇
1. Reevaluating Rhee: Colonialist or Strategic Nationalist?
Syngman Rhee has long been criticized as a collaborator or U.S. puppet. However, a closer analysis reveals that he was not a colonialist, nor an idealist liberal. Instead, he strategically used America’s self-image as a force of justice to advance Korea’s interests. He was a nationalist realist who understood global power dynamics.
1.1 Progressive Criticism and Shifting Views
For decades, South Korea's progressive circles portrayed Rhee as a villain who betrayed the people. However, recent historical analysis reflects a more nuanced view. While he did pursue pragmatic gains, this does not necessarily equate to betrayal.
2. Understanding Idealism and Liberalism in International Politics
2.1 Political Idealism: The Unrealistic Pursuit of Peace
Idealism assumes that nations act morally and collectively to achieve global peace. But this fails in reality, where each nation defends its own interests. If idealism worked, the world would be united under a single government—which it isn’t.
Even the dream of Korean reunification struggles under economic realities. South Koreans are reluctant to absorb North Korea's burden, just as they would not take on the burdens of collapsing countries like Venezuela or Nigeria.
2.2 Liberalism and Kant’s Perpetual Peace Theory
Liberal internationalism, as theorized by Immanuel Kant, aims to create peace through rational self-interest and democratic institutions. Kant believed that republics wouldn’t go to war because citizens suffer in war and won’t vote for it. This logic influenced NATO and the UN. It’s not about morality, but about rational calculations for peace.
2.3 Where the Theory Fails
Kant assumed that ordinary people don’t want war. But history has shown otherwise. Starving people, fanatics, or the politically manipulated can indeed support war. Examples include Nazi Germany and post-Pearl Harbor America. Thus, both idealism and liberalism must yield to realpolitik in many cases.
3. Rhee and the Controversial “Trusteeship Petition”
3.1 The Petition Debate
Critics argue that Rhee’s co-signing of the trusteeship petition to the U.S. suggested a desire to replace Japanese colonialism with American oversight. Supporters argue it was a diplomatic tactic to secure support in the League of Nations-style system. The petition was drafted by Ahn Chang-ho and Jung Han-kyung, with Rhee polishing its language and supporting it strategically—not ideologically.
3.2 Not a Traitor, Not a Puppet
Rhee’s role in this petition doesn’t prove betrayal. He remained committed to Korean independence his entire life. Labeling him as a "second Yi Wan-yong" (infamous collaborator) is overly simplistic. While he exaggerated his role for political gain, the underlying intent was national survival.
4. Rhee’s Strategic Use of America’s Idealism
4.1 Targeting America's “Moral Weak Spot”
Rhee understood that America saw itself as a righteous global hero. His strategy was to appear morally aligned with the U.S. to gain support, while pursuing Korea’s own interests underneath. He wasn’t an idealist or a liberal, but a cold realist.
4.2 Nationalist Realism
Rhee believed in power, not global harmony. Since America had power and cared about appearing “just,” he used that image. His goal was independence and vengeance against Japan, and America was the perfect tool to achieve both. In a way, he exploited America’s idealism like a leech on a host, for nationalist gain.
4.3 His True Goal: Strength First
Once elected Korea’s first president, Rhee reportedly wanted to develop nuclear weapons. He may have preached peace, but he never truly believed in it—except as a strategic performance for the Americans. His nationalism was rooted in realism, even bordering on authoritarian militarism.
5. Conclusion: Syngman Rhee Was a Realist Nationalist
Rhee was not a colonialist, nor simply a pro-American puppet. He was a nationalist realist who leveraged American values to achieve Korean independence. He recognized the gap between moral rhetoric and global power, and he played the game accordingly. To understand Rhee is to understand the painful balance between ideals and survival in international politics.
