Background Information
In 2017, when North Korea tested intercontinental ballistic missiles, they showed they have the capability to reach parts of the US. This caused widespread panic and led to serious questions being asked around the world: What states would North Korea hit? It is a frightening but valid question.
North Korea has long been at odds with the United States and its allies, with several spats over the decades dominating the news. North Korea has consistently been developing nuclear weapons and conducting rocket-testing, both of which can be seen as offensive capabilities.
Missile Capabilities
North Korea reportedly has an arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles, more technically referred to as ICBMs. These are weapons with a range of more than 5,500 kilometers, giving them the capability of reaching various targets in the US. In 2017, they tested an ICBM thematically named Hwasong-15 which showed they have the capability to strike any part of the United States.
In terms of the effectiveness of these weapons, many experts believe they are most likely to be an effective deterrent rather than an actual attack. This is because of the size of the bombs presents a risk to nearby North Korean citizens, making a retaliatory attack from the US a possible outcome.
Analysis
While North Korea is technically capable of delivering a missile to the US, it is unlikely that they will act on it. This is because doing so would risk severe retribution from the US and its allies, something that North Korea is not equipped to handle.
It is also worth noting that North Korea is not typically thought of as an aggressor. In fact, many countries in the region are scared of potential North Korean aggression, as opposed to actively seeking it out.
The US is well aware of the potential threats posed by North Korea and has taken precautions to ensure the security of its citizens. This includes the imposition of economic sanctions and a comprehensive missile defense system.
Reactions
The US and its allies have taken numerous steps to protect their citizens in the face of a potential North Korean aggression. This includes the deployment of US troops in South Korea and the deployment of more US troops to the Korean peninsula.
Furthermore, the US has imposed strict economic sanctions on North Korea in an effort to limit their capacity to launch a military attack or build their nuclear arsenal. In addition, the US and its allies have also been conducting joint military drills and satellite surveillance of the North Korean state.
At the same time, it is important to note that the North Korean state is not an aggressor in the eyes of the international community. North Korea has consistently refrained from attacking other countries and has been trying to maintain peace in the region through diplomatic measures. As such, it is unlikely that North Korea will launch an attack against the US.
Public Opinion
The public opinion on North Korea’s missile capabilities varies depending on the region. In the US, the majority of the population is fearful of the potential of a North Korean attack, but is confident that the US military and missile defense systems can protect them. On the other hand, much of the public in Asia is more worried about the intentions of the US and its allies, than they are of North Korea itself.
The public opinion also appears to be split on the US’ approach to North Korea. Some feel that the US is too bellicose with its rhetoric and actions, while others believe that more aggressive measures are needed to deter North Korea from potentially attacking the US.
Preventive Measures
As mentioned, the US and its allies have taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens. This includes the deployment of troops in South Korea and the deployment of more US troops to the Korean peninsula. In addition, the US has imposed strict economic sanctions on North Korea in an effort to limit their capacity to launch a military attack or build their nuclear arsenal.
These measures are often seen as a necessary response to a North Korean attack, as opposed to an offensive maneuver by the US and its allies. Therefore, it is unlikely that North Korea would risk the consequences of an attack on the US and its citizens, given the fact that the US is well-protected and would be able to retaliate swiftly and massively in response.
Missile Defense Systems
The US has invested heavily into missile defense systems. This includes the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles low in the atmosphere. The US has also constructed the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which is designed to shoot down missiles in the upper atmosphere.
Additionally, the US is in the process of developing the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System (Aegis BMD)—a marine-based missile defense system that is capable of detecting and intercepting missiles both in the Atmosphere and in space.
Counter Measures
To counter the North Korean missile threat, the US and its allies have proposed additional measures such as increasing economic sanctions, more aggressive naval patrolling in the region, and bolstering their ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems.
The US has also proposed military exercises with the South Korean military in order to practice defensive operations and to send a strong message to North Korea that the US is ready and able to respond to any aggression.
At the same time, the US and its allies have tried to open up channels of diplomacy and dialogue with North Korea in order to ease tensions between the two countries. While progress has been made, there has still been no resolution as of yet.
Impact of Sanctions
Economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies on North Korea are believed to have had an impact on North Korea’s missile capabilities. These sanctions have severely limited North Korea’s access to sophisticated technology, making it much more difficult for the country to build and maintain its missiles.
At the same time, the introduction of these sanctions has caused the North Korean economy to suffer, leading to heightened levels of poverty and deprivation. This makes it even more unlikely that North Korea would launch a pre-emptive attack on the US, given the economic ramifications and instability that would create.
International Agreements
The United States and other countries have been pushing for an international agreement that would limit or prohibit North Korea’s ability to develop and test ballistic missiles altogether. This would involve close monitoring of North Korea’s activities to ensure compliance with international laws, as well as an enforcement mechanism for any violations.
At the same time, the United States has proposed that North Korea give up its nuclear weapons program in exchange for economic aid and increased diplomatic ties. This has been rejected by North Korea thus far, although there are some reports that the country may be open to such negotiations.
