Responding to the North Korean Nuclear Weapons Threat: Rehabilitation or a Smoking Hole?
Abstract
The United States National Security Strategy has a stated objective to "...prevent our enemies from threatening us, our allies and our friends with weapons of mass destruction (WMD)". As an adversary for the past 50 years, North Korea has consistently opposed our support of South Korea and Japan, and our presence in northern Asia. In the recent past, they have developed, tested and produced ballistic missiles. They have also fielded weapons of mass destruction, specifically chemical and biological weapons. As troubling as those weapons are, that threat pales compared to recent North Korean acknowledgement of a nuclear weapons program. Nuclear weapons coupled with ballistic missile delivery systems present a new level of threat to the United States and its allies. This new North Korean potential can best be countered by a three-part strategy of aggressive diplomacy, conditional and unconditional engagement and a strong containment posture, all laced with a heavy dose of skepticism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA442523
Entities
People
- Nelson Cabot Jr.
Organizations
- National War College