When it comes to North Korea, the world immediately thinks of a nation that is aggressive, oppressive and nuclear-armed. Even though North Korea is on the other side of the world, the United States is closest to it geographically. This speaks volumes in the geopolitical chess game that is being played out on the world stage. North Korea’s missiles have the capability to reach the continental United States, and US leaders are constantly trying to remain one step ahead.
The US state that is closest to North Korea is Alaska, and it lies approximately 1,500 miles away from Pyongyang. The US territory of Guam is about 2,000 miles away, and Hawaii is about 4,500 miles away. Keeping these distances in mind, it is easy to understand why North Korea is so often at the forefront of American concerns, as it is effectively in the ‘backyard’ of the United States.
When examining the US geography relative to North Korea, it is important to understand what would happen in the event of a nuclear attack. Alaska, because it is so close to North Korea, would be the primary target in such a scenario. This, in combination with the fact that there are few natural barriers between the two countries, gives Alaska’s strategic importance. With all that said, it is important to note that North Korea has never directly attacked the United States.
Efforts to protect the US from potential threats from North Korea have been ongoing for many years. In 2017, the US military established an anti-ballistic missile defense system in Alaska, which is capable of intercepting any threats from North Korea. The military also conducts regular drills to prepare personnel for it a potential attack from North Korea.
The United States has also been negotiating with North Korea for many years, in a bid to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. One of the most well-known efforts was the US-North Korea Summit in 2018, in which US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed to work towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Despite the summit, little has been accomplished in terms of reducing tensions, and the US is still wary of any threats that may be posed by North Korea.
Geopolitical Implications
Due to its proximity to North Korea, the United States has had to prioritize the security of Alaska. This has obvious geopolitical implications, as the US is forced to strengthen its military presence on its westernmost state. This has also had an impact on the US’ relationship with its Asian allies, namely Japan and South Korea. The US has sought to reassure both countries that it sufficiently addressing the threats posed by North Korea.
North Korean Relations
The US-North Korean relationship is complicated and often fraught. North Korea has long been isolated from much of the international community, and its nuclear program has been a source of tension for many years. While the US has sought to negotiate, North Korea has been adamant about maintaining a nuclear deterrent. Despite this, President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un have held several meetings in an effort to reach an agreement, with little tangible progress.
US Response
The US response to North Korea has largely been one of containment. The US has sought to deter North Korea from taking any aggressive action, while at the same time, maintaining a diplomatic presence in the region. This means that while the US is willing to negotiate, it also is not willing to cede any ground when it comes to its security interests. The US also has put strong economic sanctions in place against North Korea, as a way to put pressure on the regime.
Conclusion
The United States is geographically close to North Korea and is constantly looking for ways to mitigate the threat of a potential attack. The US has taken several steps to strengthen its defensive capabilities and has also sought to engage in diplomatic negotiations. Despite all of these efforts, the situation in the Korean Peninsula remains tense, and any sort of military confrontation between the two countries would have devastating consequences.
