Nuclear Weapons in North Korea Research Paper

At some point one must recognize that even if we identify a strategy to convince North Korea to cease its nuclear programs, history has shown us that their agreement means very little. Further, critics of attempts to neutralize North Korea point to the lack of sanctions that have been imposed for non-compliance with agreements (Kim, 2010).

Major concerns for the international community when addressing this issue is their ultimate willingness to engage in a war with North Korea should it become necessary. Due to the failure of strategic negotiation and hard line tactics there is little that can be done to ensure that negotiations do not result in war. Yet a war would surely lead to catastrophic results including deaths of thousands of soldiers including U.S. troops and the potential for nuclear activity by North Korea (Muravchik, 2003). One must consider the fact that North Korea has accepted the possibility of war in their refusal to be persuaded as well as their hard line stance on the production of weapons of mass destruction (Muravchik, 2003). This is coupled with the threats that economic sanctions may be met with military engagement. Much of the actions of North Korea through the ongoing negotiations with the U.S. And the international community have set the stage for successful military engagement (Muravchik, 2003).

The international community must not lose sight of the fact that war may be inevitable at some point should North Korea choose to utilize their ability to develop nuclear weapons as a means to stability their economy through their sale to terrorist groups (Muravchik, 2003). However, the decision to enter into war should be made with the amount of casualties in mind and the comparison of risk vs. gains. Diplomatic approaches have not proven to be effective and believing that North Korea will cease its nuclear programs would be naive (Waldron, 2004).

References

Barry, M.P. (2007). North Korea requires long-term strategic relationship with the U.S. International Journal on World Peace, 24(1), 37-41.

Kim, S.S. (2010). North Korea's nuclear strategy and the interface between international and domestic politics. Asian Perspective, 34(1), 49-85.

Laney, J.T., & Shaplen, J.T. (2003). How to deal with North Korea. Foreign Affairs, 82(2), 16-25.

Morgan, P.M. (2006). Deterrence and system management: The case of North Korea. Conflict Management Peace Science, 23, 121-138. doi: 10.1080/07388940600665768

Muravchik, J. (2003). Facing up to North Koread. Commentary, 115(3), 33-39.

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