In November, Americans will go to the polls in an election that could have consequences far beyond their borders. The midterm elections will determine the balance of power in Congress and influence the direction of American foreign and security policy for the remaining two years of U.S. President Donald Trump's term. For South Korea, the stakes are considerable. At approximately the same time, Washington and Seoul will confront some of the most consequential questions facing their military alliance at the 58th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM). Among them are the credibility of American extended nuclear deterrence and the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON). The political atmosphere surrounding these discussions may change depending on the U.S. election results. But regardless of which party wins, one principle must remain unchanged: military decisions must be based on military requirements, not political convenience. Unfortunately, this principle is increasingly being challenged in South Korea. For many South Korean politicians and their supporters, wartime OPCON remains