Background Information
The Hermit Kingdom of North Korea has long been a mysterious nation shrouded in mystery and conflict. In recent years, the country has been steadily upgrading its military arsenal, making it a significant global threat. One of North Korea’s most powerful weapons is its arsenal of ballistic missiles, which the nation has used for a variety of purposes ranging from military exercises to establishing dominance over its regional neighbors. North Korea is known for its unpredictable behavior, and its missile tests have been a source of international tension for years.
North Korea’s Missile Program
North Korea’s missile program dates back to the early 1990s, when the nation first developed its Taepodong-1 rocket. The Taepodong-1 was capable of reaching targets in neighboring South Korea and was soon followed by the development of the Taepodong-2, which had an even greater range and was capable of reaching the United States. This missile was tested in 2006 and 2009, although the tests were unsuccessful.
North Korea has continued to advance its missile technology and has conducted several successful tests of its intermediate and long-range ballistic missiles since 2010. The most recent test in 2017 involved a newly developed, intercontinental-range ballistic missile, which was capable of reaching the United States. The United Nations condemned this test and imposed fresh sanctions on North Korea.
When Was The Last Missile Launched By North Korea?
The last missile launched by North Korea was on November 28, 2017, when the nation tested its newly developed Hwasong-15 intercontinental-range ballistic missile. The missile was launched from Pyongyang and flew for fifty minutes before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. In response to the test, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to impose new sanctions on North Korea.
Impact of Missile Launches
North Korea’s missile tests have had far-reaching implications both regionally and globally. Regionally, they have created tension between North Korea and its neighbors, with South Korea and Japan becoming increasingly wary of Pyongyang’s intentions. On a global scale, these tests have increased the potential for nuclear war and destabilized the region. In response, the United Nations has proposed a series of sanctions on North Korea and has urged the nation to end its missile tests.
Analysis and Critique
It is clear that North Korea’s missile program is a major cause for concern. The nation has continued to develop its capabilities despite repeated warnings from the international community, placing itself and its neighbors at an increased risk of war. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the United Nations has responded to these tests with a series of sanctions, signalling that the world is taking notice and attempting to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Experts’ Views
Experts agree that North Korea’s missile program is a serious issue. According to Dr. Terence Taylor, director of US-Nuclear Policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, “North Korea has always been a difficult actor and its missile tests are part of a long trend of provocative behavior aimed at gaining political leverage. It is important to put the recent missile launch in context and recognize that it is part of this larger strategic picture.”
US Response
In response to North Korea’s missile tests, the United States has adopted a policy of strategic patience, attempting to pressure North Korea by imposing restrictions on the nation via sanctions. In addition, the US has engaged in diplomatic talks with North Korea, with both nations seeking to reduce tensions and reach an agreement. However, progress has been slow and it remains to be seen whether the talks will result in any tangible outcome.
International Negotiations
The United Nations has also been actively involved in attempts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table. Through its Security Council, the UN has imposed sanctions on North Korea and has also created bipartisan working groups to help facilitate talks. In addition, the US and South Korea have also engaged in bilateral talks with North Korea, with the most recent talks taking place in May of 2018.
Intervention and Alternatives
Aside from diplomacy, there is the option of military intervention. However, this would likely be met with strong resistance from North Korea, and could lead to a catastrophic situation. As an alternative, analysts suggest that China can play an important role in de-escalating tensions. China is North Korea’s closest ally and has significant economic leverage over Pyongyang. As such, Chinese pressure could be effective in persuading North Korea to abandon its missile program and return to the negotiating table.
Sanctions and Their Effect
The United Nations has imposed a series of sanctions on North Korea in response to its missile tests. These sanctions have had a significant economic impact on North Korea, but have not deterred the nation from continuing its tests. In addition, the sanctions have drawn criticism from some who argue that they have increased the risk of conflict and have only served to push North Korea further away from negotiations.
Conclusion
It is clear that North Korea’s missile program is a major cause for concern, both regionally and globally. The United Nations has attempted to curb this program through sanctions and diplomatic talks, but progress remains slow and it remains to be seen whether either will be successful in persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. With tensions at an all-time high, it is essential that the international community takes all necessary measures to avert catastrophe.
