Background Information About Guam
Guam is an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost point and territory of the U.S., along with the Northern Mariana Islands. The island’s indigenous Chamorro, Palauan, and Carolinian residents are the main population, with natives from the Philippines, Japan, and other Pacific islands, as well as the U.S. mainland, also living in Guam.
Originally inhabited by the Chamorro, Guam was colonized by the Spanish in 1565 when Ferdinand Magellan landed on the island. Spanish colonization resulted in a distinctive, vibrant culture and language, with particular emphasis on Roman Catholicism. Spain ceded Guam to the United States in 1898 as part of the Treaty of Paris which ended the Spanish-American War. Guam became a U.S. possession, and U.S. Naval forces have been stationed on the island since 1898.
Today, the island is divided into three distinct municipalities: Hagåtña, Dededo, and Yona. Hagåtña is the collection of villages which constitute the capital, and is the historic and cultural center. Dededo and Yona are the two largest villages, located on the northern and southern ends of the island respectively.
Distance from Guam to North Korea
The distance from Guam to North Korea is 4,116 kilometers in a straight line, or about 2,563 miles. However, when taking into account the prevailing ocean currents and political borders, the actual distance would be much greater. It is nearly impossible to measure the true distance between Guam and North Korea as the two countries are virtually completely isolated from each other.
The closest major landmass to Guam is the Philippines, located 274 miles to the west. This is followed by South Korea, located around 1,142 miles to the east. The two countries have a long history of animosity, with the main source of conflict being the on-going North Korean nuclear missile testing.
Political Risk Analysis
Given Guam’s physical distance from North Korea, it may seem as if the threat posed by North Korea is negligible. However, perceived North Korean threats cannot be discounted given the diplomatic and political tension between the two countries.
The deployment of U.S. military bases to Guam has been a long-standing point of contention for North Korea. This tension has been further amplified with North Korea’s continued nuclear missile tests. These tests have raised unease in the U.S., particularly in Guam due to its geographic proximity to North Korea.
In 2017, North Korea threatened to fire its ballistic missiles near Guam, igniting further anxiety among Guam’s residents. Any military clash has yet to occur, but U.S. military bases on Guam remain a type of deterrent.
Economic and Cultural Factors
A major consequence of the tension between Guam and North Korea is the economic and cultural effects that it has had on Guam’s residents. Guam relies heavily on tourism for its economy and growth. Tourists from the United States, Japan, and other countries have been deterred from visiting the island due to their perceived proximity to North Korea. This has had a direct hit on the tourism industry, which contributes greatly to the island’s economic growth.
In addition, this perceived threat has also had an indirect effect on the culture and psyche of Guam’s residents. The lack of tourism has led to a lack of income and consequently a general lack of economic opportunity. This has led to an increase in poverty and social problems in Guam’s main cities, an issue that the local government has struggled to address.
Security Implications
Aside from the economic and cultural implications, the perceived threat posed by North Korea has had serious implications on the safety and security of Guam’s citizens. The U.S. military has increased its presence on the island, with around 6,000 troops stationed there in 2017.
These troops are equipped with modern weaponry in order to protect the island and its residents from any potential North Korean retaliation. There have been some documented incidents of North Korean vessels sailing close to Guam, but these acts have not been viewed as a major security breach by the U.S. government.
Guam and North Korean Relations
In recent years, the relations between Guam and North Korea have been marked by distrust and competitive posturing. North Korea seeks to create a stronger presence in East Asia, while the U.S. is determined to prevent any further expansion. Guam serves as a key point of contention, as both countries compete for influence in the region.
In October 2017, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un proposed to hold talks with the United States over the issue. This proposal met with a lukewarm response from the U.S. government and Guam. Guam Senator Michael F.Q. San Nicolas declared that the talks would do nothing to improve the security situation on Guam, and that the United States should continue to work towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in order to ensure the long-term peace and security of the region.
Evaluation of Guam and North Korea Relations
Due to its geographic position, Guam serves as a convenient flashpoint for both the United States and North Korea. Despite ongoing tensions, the island remains relatively secure, and has adjusted to the effects of being so close to a major military power.
Overall, the relations between Guam and North Korea remain strained, as both countries compete for influence in East Asia. The United States remains committed to preventing any further expansion by North Korea, and still views the island of Guam as a key part of its security strategy in the region. As long as tensions remain, Guam will remain a point of contention for both countries.
Effects of U.S. Military Presence
The presence of U.S. military bases on Guam is the most direct consequence of the ongoing tensions between Guam and North Korea. This presence has a significant effect on Guam’s economy, with the large number of troops and their support personnel providing an influx of income for local businesses.
The U.S. bases on Guam provide a significant degree of security for the island, as the troops are equipped with modern weaponry and have access to other resources that enable them to provide an effective defense of the island in the event of an attack by North Korea. This has allowed the people of Guam to live without fear of the potential threat posed by North Korea.
Dialogue And Cooperation
Despite the presence of U.S. bases, Guam and North Korea are still able to maintain an uneasy dialogue in order to prevent any further escalation. In 2017, North Korea proposed talks with the United States in an attempt to reduce tensions.
The United States has yet to respond to the proposed talks, but has indicated its intention to remain committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in order to ensure the long-term peace and security of the region. This strategy has been welcomed by the people of Guam, as it allows for a viable way to reduce tensions and create a more secure environment for the island.
Implications for Guam’s Development
The long-standing tension between Guam and North Korea has had significant implications for the island’s development. The lack of tourism due to the perceived proximity to North Korea has had a direct hit on the island’s economy. This has led to a lack of economic opportunities and an increase in poverty and social problems in Guam’s main cities, an issue that the local government has struggled to address.
The presence of U.S. military bases in Guam provides some economic stability, as the troops and their support personnel provide an influx of income for local businesses. Nonetheless, Guam’s growth will remain limited as long as tensions remain between the island and North Korea.
International Perspective
The issue of Guam and North Korea has become a global issue, with some countries viewing the island as a major security risk. For the United States, Guam is viewed as a strategic point of contention in the struggle for influence in East Asia.
Other countries have suggested that Guam should be allowed to participate in a regional dialogue about its security in light of the present tensions. There have been some efforts to engage in dialogue regarding the security of Guam, but these efforts have been met with resistance from both the United States and North Korea, leading to little progress.
Domestic Response
Within Guam itself, the population has become increasingly wary of North Korea’s actions. Despite some efforts to engage in dialogue, the people of Guam are aware that they are largely powerless when it comes to the on-going conflict between the United States and North Korea. Most people on the island prefer to stay out of the conflict, focusing on their own day to day lives and maintaining a level of cautious optimism.
At the same time, Guam’s politicians have been vocal in their opposition to North Korea. Guamanian lawmakers have proposed increased economic sanctions against North Korea and increased security measures on the island in order to deter any future attacks. These suggestions have largely gone unheeded, and most Guamanians realize that the true fate of the island will be determined by the actions of the United States and North Korea.
