The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea (DPRK) has been a source of hostility to the United States of America for decades. The question of when North Korea will attack America has raised deep concern among many politicians, analysts and citizens of both countries. Although North Korea’s actions are unpredictable, there is little support to suggest they will attack the United States any time soon.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was established in 1948, after the division of the Korean Peninsula following the Second World War. Since that time, the country has been subject to an oppressive regime that has brought it to brink of war with the United States several times. North Korea has sought to possess nuclear weapons since the 90’s and has since become a nation which represents a significant threat to US security and interests.
Despite the fact that relations between North Korea and the United States have been strained for decades, the prospect of a direct attack by North Korea on America is very unlikely. Any such attack would likely be met with immediate and devastating armed response from the United States.In addition, North Korea has powerful regional allies such as China who would likely intervene on their behalf if severe conflict broke out. Furthermore, North Korea’s economy is very weak and its people suffer under extreme poverty. For these reasons, North Korean leadership is most concerned with maintaining its standing in the Asia-Pacific region and is unlikely to resort to an open conventional military threat against America.
Geopolitics
On a geopolitical level, North Korea is being pulled in two different directions. On the one hand, North Korea is seen as an ally by both Russia and China, two countries which are seen as opponents of the US. On the other hand, North Korea is heavily dependent on aide from South Korea, a close US ally. This situation prevents North Korea from taking any extreme steps in the direction of open aggression or war with America.
From the US perspective, a military attack by North Korea would be considered an act of war and would evoke an overwhelming response. Even an attempt to launch a nuclear weapon would be swiftly met with devastating consequences. Therefore, the leaders of North Korea are well aware of the danger that would come in the form of a counterattack if they provoked a direct military engagement with America.
Nuclear Deterrent
North Korea has been repeatedly criticized for its nuclear activities, including suspected nuclear weapons testing. These tests have strengthened the perception of North Korea as a threat to US security. However, it is more likely that the North Koreans are using these tests as a means to establish a nuclear deterrence against any potential US attack.
Nuclear weapons are a costly and technologically complex form of weaponry and North Korea’s nuclear tests do not seem to indicate an imminent desire to use these weapons in any situation. It is more likely that North Korea would use its nuclear capabilities to bolster its own position in the region and deter any aggressive moves from the US or its allies.
North Korea is also aware of the risks that would come with attacking the United States. Open warfare between the two countries would be costly and unpredictable, and would significantly weaken North Korea’s position in the region. Therefore, while the North Korean government is unpredictable and hostile, open war is a very unlikely outcome.
Negotiation and Dialogue
The only way to reduce tensions between North Korea and the US is through negotiation and dialogue. Diplomatic talks between the two sides have yielded some positive results in the past, but a more sustained dialogue is needed to truly address the deep-rooted tensions between the two countries.
North Korea must also take steps to address its own human rights abuses and extreme poverty. Without such changes, it will be difficult to create a peaceful and stable relationship between North Korea and the US. Until these issues are addressed, North Korea will remain a significant and unpredictable threat to US security.
International Sanctions and Pressure
The United States has employed diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea in an effort to discourage military aggression and encourage better behavior. These sanctions have had the desired effect of impeding North Korea’s progress in developing nuclear weapons.
The sanctions have also been an effective way to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, while also providing an incentive to resolve the conflict peacefully. The US is continuing to apply pressure on North Korea and will likely continue to do so until an acceptable solution is reached.
Aside from the economic sanctions, the US has also increased its military presence in the region. The United States has stationed numerous warships in the region and has increased its intelligence gathering operations in the area. This has successfully deterred North Korea from making any open military threats against the US.
Conclusion
At this point in time, it is unlikely that North Korea will attack the United States. There are several political, geopolitical and economic factors which prevent North Korea from taking any extreme steps in the direction of open aggression or war with America. Rather, North Korea is likely using its nuclear capabilities to bolster its own position in the region and deter any aggressive moves from the US or its allies. In order to reduce tensions between North Korea and the US, both sides must take steps to address their own issues and employ diplomacy, dialogue and sanctions to resolve the conflict peacefully.
