Stand up for American businesses abroad

South Korea’s recent pressure campaign against American companies should serve as a warning to policymakers in Washington: Foreign governments are increasingly using regulation as a weapon against successful U.S. firms. It’s time to push back on them. 

Last month, Republican lawmakers raised concerns about the South Korean government’s treatment of American tech companies operating in the country. Their letter highlighted threats of punitive fines, possible business-license actions, and an expansive investigation into a data breach involving the U.S.-based e-commerce giant Coupang.

To Seoul’s credit, officials have since signaled that they will avoid discriminatory treatment toward American firms. But the broader issue remains unresolved. Around the world, governments are taking aim squarely at America’s most competitive industries — especially technology, digital commerce, and advanced services.

US IS INSUFFICIENTLY PREPARED FOR NORTH KOREA TO USE A TACTICAL NUKE AGAINST SOUTHERN NEIGHBORS

For decades, policymakers focused primarily on traditional international issues such as trade policy,