North Korea is a nation shrouded in secrecy, oppressive and mysterious. Despite the fact it’s been in existence since the end of World War II, the question of ‘What Could North Korea Do’ is a valid one and one that continues to pose a threat to the international community. North Korea has a population of some 25 million people, but it is perhaps best known for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, its cult of personality around leader Kim Jong Un, and for its human rights abuses, which are reportedly among the worst in the world.
There is no doubt that North Korea poses a threat to international security. It has a history of aggressive posturing towards the United States and its allies, and has conducted several nuclear tests, with the most recent, in 2016, being its fifth and most powerful. It is believed to have the capacity to deploy a nuclear weapon, and its cyber-warfare capabilities have been tested during recent incidents involving South Korea.
Recent developments have shown that North Korea has succeeded in enhancing its military capabilities and has the capability to launch cyber-attacks, develop advanced military technology and create enormous cyber-security threats. In 2017, the reclusive nation tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States mainland. The U.S. State Department recently declared that North Korea has the “ability to deliver nuclear weapons” and “poses an increasingly grave threat” to the United States and its allies.
North Korea has also extended its cyber and information warfare capabilities, posing a threat to the South Korean government and the United States. In 2016, North Korea is believed to have conducted an intense cyber-attack against the South Korean Defense System, which left the nation’s infrastructure crippled and its network disabled for weeks. The North has also been accused of conducting a series of cyber-attacks aimed at international banks and nuclear power plants in South Korea.
The implications of North Korea’s potential capabilities are broad and include potential nuclear, cyber-warfare and conventional warfare attacks. North Korea has invested heavily in the development of its conventional military strength, and has reportedly deployed precision-guided missiles and other advanced weapon systems. In addition, North Korea has built up its submarine fleet, and has placed medium-range ballistic missiles that can reach US military bases in the Pacific Ocean.
Given the massive nuclear arsenal it is believed to possess, in a worst-case scenario, North Korea could launch simultaneous nuclear strikes against the United States and its allies. The risk of such an attack is remote, but the possibility remains. Additionally, North Korea could continue to engage in cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure and government websites, as well as launch more conventional military attacks against South Korea.
Experts believe that North Korea has the capability to launch cyber-attacks with potentially devastating results. It is believed that North Korea has highly sophisticated malware and other forms of digital weaponry that can enable it to launch destructive attack on both domestic and foreign networks and systems. North Korean hackers have already been linked to a number of high-profile cyber-attacks, including the 2014 attack on Sony Pictures and the 2016 attack on the Bangladesh Central Bank.
Public Propaganda
North Korea has a long history of using public propaganda to spread its message both domestically and internationally. They release videos, movies and other forms of messaging aimed at glorifying the ruling Kim family and its achievements. The government has also taken steps to block access to foreign media and to control what its citizens can access online. It is believed that North Korea has used this propaganda to help rally support for their regime.
International Sanctions
The United Nations has imposed multiple round of restrictions or sanctions on North Korea since 2006, after its first conducted a nuclear test. These restrictions have become increasingly stringent as North Korea continues to ignore its international obligations. The sanctions are intended to impede North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, its access to funds for military purposes, and its trade network. North Korea has repeatedly proven adept at circumventing the sanctions, however,and the effectiveness of the restrictive measures remain in doubt.
Economic Engagement
North Korea is economically isolated from the rest of the world due to its repressive government and its nuclear weapons program. A number of countries, however, including South Korea and China, have sought to open economic ties with North Korea in an effort to persuade the regime to end its nuclear program. Some Chinese companies have invested in North Korean infrastructure projects, while South Korea has sought to facilitate economic exchanges as part of its “sunshine policy” towards the North.
Diplomatic Intervention
North Korea has been primarily engaged in a diplomatic standoff with the United States and its allies in the region. For much of the past two decades, the United States and other actors, such as China and South Korea, have sought to engage North Korea in diplomatic talks in the hopes of achieving a political solution. Recent talks have focused on North Korea’s denuclearization, and attempts have been made to break the deadlock between North Korea and the international community.
