T. V. Paul (Professor, McGill University) analyzes the "New Cold War" as a hybrid order where the United States' fear of decline drives disruption, yet second-ranking states possess significant agency to shape the outcome. He advises that South Korea, facing the twin risks of alliance entrapment and abandonment, must prioritize "strategic autonomy" to avoid becoming a pawn in great power competition. Furthermore, he argues for a shift from unrealistic denuclearization goals to crisis prevention and arms control, warning that independent nuclear armament by Seoul would only deepen regional instability.