1. The USA vs. North Korea
North Korea and the United States have been in a tense relationship for decades. Tensions heightened when North Korea began their missile program in 2006. This move was their first overt sign that they were pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Though there has been some diplomatic measures taken to ease tensions, the governments are still far away from being on friendly terms. There is a lot of debate as to whether North Korea will actually start a nuclear war with the US.
2. North Korea’s Capabilities
North Korea has a very sophisticated nuclear weapons program and is reportedly capable of producing miniaturized nukes. They have also tested missiles several times in the past, mostly over the Sea of Japan. But in 2017, the tests became more aggressive and began targeting the US. North Korea conducted several tests of their August 29th ICBM missile in 2017, and the range of this missile puts the entire US continental landmass within reach of the projectiles.
Some experts have questioned North Korean’s motive and argue that such an attack is not in North Korea’s interest and would only be a form of suicide. Others argue that North Korea is continuing to hone their missile capabilities, putting the US at risk of attack even if they don’t plan to do so in the near future.
3. The US Response
The US has responded to the threats with a series of sanctions, including financial blocks and travel bans. In response, North Korea has become even more aggressive in their rhetoric, calling US sanctions acts of war. The US has also responded militarily in the past, with aircraft carriers and maneuvering bombers over the Korean peninsula.
4. Is War Possible?
Despite the increased tensions, the possibility of a war is still a remote one. North Korea is a tiny country and the US is a world superpower. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un knows this and has used this knowledge to play off the US and other world powers, especially in times of crisis. Kim Jong-un understands the consequences of a war with the US and ultimately has no desire to risk his regime’s survival by provoking a conflict with the US.
5. Reactions from the Public
The people in both countries are concerned about the situation and some are convinced that war is inevitable. On the US side, the public appears to be split with some arguing for a diplomatic approach and diplomatic sanctions, while others argue for a more aggressive stance. In North Korea, the people are mainly supportive of the regime and Kim Jong-un, though some are still loyal to the old guard.
6. What Could Be Done?
Experts offer various options to de-escalate the tensions between the US and North Korea. Diplomatic measures such as sanctions, political negotiations, and diplomatic efforts are seen as the most viable options. Giving North Korea economic incentives, such as lifting sanctions, could be one way to get them to cooperate and reduce the risk of nuclear war. However, this approach has been met with resistance from some in the US and will require careful consideration.
7. What Could Trigger War?
The main trigger for a war between the US and North Korea would be a misstep on either side. North Korean officials have repeatedly warned that any US military action on the Korean peninsula would trigger a war. North Korea is also very sensitive to any perceived insult from the US and could react violently if provoked.
Additionally, if North Korea were to launch a nuclear attack on US soil, this could also trigger a US response. This could lead to a large scale regional war with incredible consequences.
8. The Arms Race
The US is continuing to respond to the threat of a nuclear attack by developing its own nuclear weapons and missile defense systems. This military buildup only increases the tension between the two countries and heightens the threat of war.
9. Relations With Other Countries
China, Russia, and South Korea have all been involved in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the US and North Korea, but so far they have been unsuccessful. Some experts argue that only a multilateral approach involving all regional stakeholders will be effective in solving the problem.
10. Other Possibilities
While a direct military confrontation is unlikely, there is still the possibility that either side could use other methods to cause problems for the other. Cyber attacks, economic pressure, and other forms of sabotage are all possibilities.
11. US-South Korean Relations
The US and South Korea are strong allies, which could create a unique set of dynamics in a potential conflict with North Korea. South Korea could deploy troops against North Korea, but it could also complicate diplomatic efforts. This is something that the US will have to consider before any action is taken.
12. Tactics Used By North Korea
North Korea often uses a tactic of provocation, making threats and playing on the fears of the US and its allies. They have also relied on cyber warfare, launching cyber-attacks against US targets. This could be used to cause disruption and even cause physical damage to US targets.
13. Conclusion
Whether North Korea will bomb America is uncertain, but given the current state of relations, this scenario cannot be ruled out. It is likely that the US and North Korea will continue to use different tactics to gain leverage and influence each other. A war between the US and North Korea would have catastrophic consequences, but it is still unlikely because of how expensive and risky it would be. Despite the current level of tension, it is possible that diplomatic efforts can still be used to avert conflict and bring the two countries to a peaceful resolution.
