Recent US-North Korean Standoff
As recent tensions between the United States and North Korea rise, the entire world is watching anxiously to see what happens next. Little did we know just a few years ago when Kim Jong-Un came to power that he would present such a real threat to the United States and its allies. In the past few weeks, North Korea has been test-firing missiles, alarming many countries. The US is taking a hard stance, stating that such actions will not be tolerated. While the US is urging President Trump to respond to North Korea’s provocations, the question remains: is the US actually scared of North Korea?
Answering the Question: Who Is More Powerful?
When comparing the US and North Korea, it is obvious that the US has the more powerful military and more resources. According to a 2017 report by Global Firepower, the US has over 185 times the military equipment of North Korea and 30 times the number of military personnel. This allows the US to project its power through military presence and airstrikes. North Korea, on the other hand, is limited in its power capabilities. The only real weapons they have are nuclear weapons, which are used as a deterrent to prevent a direct attack on their country and as a way to gain support and international recognition.
A Nuclear Power Struggle
Although North Korea has much fewer military capabilities than the US, they have been known to employ unconventional warfare tactics to advance their nuclear ambitions. North Korea is believed to have at least 15 nuclear weapons, and is actively engaged in a powerful nuclear weapons research and development program. They have conducted numerous missile tests and plan to continue their quest for nuclear power, despite US and international sanctions.
From the US perspective, the main fear is that North Korea could potentially launch a nuclear weapon. If that were to happen, it could cause massive destruction and potentially touch off a nuclear war. This has caused many US officials to call for stronger sanctions and military responses to North Korea. The US also knows that North Korea will do whatever it takes to protect its nuclear arsenal and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Making North Korea A Nuclear Power Agreement
The best way to prevent North Korea from launching a nuclear weapon is to get them to sign a deal. The US has started negotiations with North Korea, although it seems that both sides have their respective limits. The US has proposed a complete denuclearization of North Korea in exchange for lifting of sanctions, while North Korea has proposed a gradual rollback of certain sanctions in exchange for a “freeze” on their nuclear program. Neither side has been willing to make concessions, and it looks like it will take a lot of hard work to reach a valid agreement.
The Fear Of The Unknown
Despite the US having the upper hand, there is still a fear amongst US citizens that North Korea could launch a nuclear weapon. This fear of the unknown is one of the biggest fears that the US has with North Korea. The US knows that North Korea is unpredictable, and that they could potentially launch a nuclear weapon at any moment. This fear has led the US to take a hard stance on North Korea, pressing for stronger sanctions and stronger military action.
How Can The US Combat North Korea?
Now, the question is how the US can combat North Korea. Since North Korea has become a nuclear power, the US is in a tough spot. Direct military action or a pre-emptive strike is out of the question, as North Korea is known to have the capability to launch a nuclear weapon in retaliation. This is why the US has resorted to applying economic sanctions and diplomatic negotiation to tackle the issue.
United Nations and Sanctions
The United Nations have been leading the diplomatic negotiations, while the US, China, and other powers have spearheaded the sanctions. North Korea has been hit with ever increasing and intense international economic sanctions since the 1990s in response to their continued nuclear and missile programs. These sanctions have had a limited impact on the North Korean economy, but have likely been instrumental in keeping their nuclear capabilities in check. Thus, it is up to the US and its allies to continue to impose economic sanctions on North Korea in order to get them to agree to a nuclear power agreement.
Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations
Another way for the US to tackle the North Korea stand-off is to re-establish diplomatic relations. This could potentially lead to greater understanding and cooperation between the two countries, which could in turn lead to progress on issues like the nuclear deal. The US and North Korea have had limited diplomatic relations in the past, and this could be an opportunity to try and start something new.
The Role of China
Any attempts by the US to solve the North Korea stand-off will likely require the help of China. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner, responsible for the majority of their food, fuel, and economic needs. China also has a vested interest in the region, and their support of North Korea has been a major contributor to their continued missile and nuclear testing. China could be an important ally in the US’ efforts to get North Korea to the negotiating table.
The Final Push For an Agreement
The toughest job for the US will be to get North Korea to actually agree to a deal. North Korea is aware that the US has the upper hand, and thus they may be unwilling to agree to a deal without getting something in return. The US will have to be willing to be flexible and willing to make some concessions in order to get North Korea to agree. This could be in the form of sanctions relief, economic support, or even a security guarantee.
An Uncertain Future
It is impossible to know for sure what the future holds for the US and North Korea, and if the US will actually be successful in addressing the current situation. For now, the US continues to press for strong sanctions and diplomatic negotiations in order to prevent North Korea from launching a nuclear weapon. It is up to the US and its allies to do whatever is necessary in order to ensure peace and security in the region.
