Overview of North Korean Missiles
North Korea is, in many ways, an enigma. Little is known about the secretive nation and its missile program; indeed, this has been the source of extreme international tension since the 1991-1994 North Korean Nuclear Crisis. However, what is certain is that North Korea possesses a formidable missile program that has grown significantly over the years.
The missiles of the North Korean program can be categorised into three separate lines – short-range, mid-range, and intercontinental ballistic. These all vary in range, size, capacity and capability, however, the most advanced and dangerous of these is the intercontinental ballistic missile.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles in North Korea
The intercontinental ballistic missiles (or ICBM) in North Korea’s arsenal are widely considered to pose the greatest threat to world order and peace. This weapon is capable of reaching almost any point on the planet, with a range of up to 10,000km.
The first ICBM in North Korea’s arsenal was the Taepodong-2, which was launched in July 2017 and has a range of more than 6,500km. This was considered to be a major milestone in North Korea’s missile program. Since then, the North Koreans have launched several subsequent models of the Taepodong-2, including the Hwasong-15, which has a range of up to 11,500km and is capable of reaching any part of the United States.
Capabilities of North Korean Missiles
North Korea’s missiles can also be loaded with various types of payloads, ranging from conventional weapons to chemical, nuclear, and even biological weapons. This makes them a formidable threat not just on a continental scale, but a global one as well.
In addition, the North Korean regime has also developed and tested new types of solid-fuels for their missiles, enabling them to be deployed more quickly and easily, further increasing their threat potential.
North Korea’s Missiles & International Tension
The missiles of North Korea have become a major source of international tension and distrust. This has been compounded by the fact that the regime has continued to test these weapons in the face of numerous UN Security Council resolutions condemning these actions.
In addition, these tests have only been met with strong condemnation and economic sanctions. The US, in particular, has taken a hard line against North Korea’s missile tests in recent months, further worsening the situation. It is now feared that these tensions could eventually lead to an all-out war.
Role of Regional Powers
In the face of North Korea’s missile program, numerous regional powers are trying to play a role in the situation. For example, South Korea, which has historically been a strong US ally, has recently taken a more moderate stance in its dealings with North Korea.
In addition, China and Russia have both been involved in trying to bring a peaceful solution to the situation, although both have come under criticism from the US for their comparatively softer approach. Nevertheless, both have been active in putting forth initiatives to try and de-escalate the situation, such as China’s ‘double-freeze’ proposal which calls for the end to joint US-South Korea military exercises in exchange for a halt to missile tests by North Korea.
Assessments of North Korean Missile Program
Experts have offered various assessments of the threat posed by North Korea’s missile arsenal. Many believe that the regime’s current capabilities are not advanced enough to pose serious destruction or harm. However, they also note that the missile program is constantly evolving and advancing, which means that in the near future, they could pose a serious threat if not checked.
International Sanctions
In response to the missile tests and advancing capabilities of North Korea, the UN Security Council has imposed several econimic sanctions on the country. These sanctions have been largely aimed at curtailing North Korea’s access to resources, technology and finances necessary for further weapon development, in the hope that this would help bring about some form of peace.
However, it is questionable whether these sanctions have been effective, as the North Korean regime has continued to launch missiles at a steady rate, regardless. Some have argued that the sanctions have actually had a deleterious effect, making it more difficult to address the situation diplomatically, while at the same time making it more difficult for the North Korean people.
Human Cost of North Korean Missile Program
The North Korean missile program has also been the source of immense human suffering. The people of North Korea have been living in a state of constant fear, as the regime has used nuclear weapons tests and missile launches as a tool of intimidation. This has also had a huge economic cost, as the regime has channeled valuable resources into its missile program, while simultaneously plunging its people into poverty.
The protection of civilians in North Korea from the effects of its own military capabilities is also a major issue. North Korea has yet to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which would help to regulate their missile tests, and there are no internationally-accepted safety protocols for civilian protection from these weapons.
International Response to North Korean Missile Program
In the face of North Korea’s missile program, many countries have adopted different approaches to deal with the situation. The US, for instance, has taken a hard line stance in recent years, involving measures such as economic sanctions and military exercises. China and Russia, meanwhile, have taken a more diplomatic approach by attempting to engage the North Korean regime in dialogue and negotiations.
These differing approaches have been controversial, with some arguing that they are exacerbating the situation while others maintain that they are the only way to avoiding a major conflict.
Findings & Implications
Based on the evidence, it is clear that North Korea’s missile program is a cause for great concern in the international community. It poses a serious threat to regional and global security, one that must be addressed in a timely and effective manner.
In order for this to happen, it is essential that a balance is struck between the hard-line approach favored by the US, and the more diplomatic approach championed by China and Russia. Only then can progress be made in resolving the situation and preventing any further escalation of the situation.
