What North Korea Missiles Can Reach
North Korea is a highly militarized state, with one of the largest equipped forces in the world and nuclear missile programs that have become increasingly sophisticated. Its ability to target U.S. allies in the region has become a major reason for concern by American leaders. In this article, we will explore where North Korea’s missiles can reach and what are the implications this could have for international security.
Missiles Range
North Korea’s missiles have significantly increased in range since their first deployment in 2010. In their latest trials, North Koreans tested their intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and reached ranges of over 10 thousand kilometers. Currently, their missiles are estimated to be able to reach targets without the need of a booster rocket not only in the region, but also the continental United States. However, Pyongyang has not tested any ICBMs with consolidated warheads, according to the U.S. National Air and Space Intelligence Center.
Threat to U.S. Allies
Despite the long-range of North Korean missiles, their priority target seems to be their closest neighbors, South Korea and Japan. This obviously affects the security of those countries, but could also draw the United States into the conflict. Seeing their proximity to North Korea, both nations have already begun to increase the defense of their territories, by increasing the number of Patriot missile batteries and other military assets.
Implications for the Region
With the increasing range of North Korean missiles, many countries in the region find themselves in a vulnerable position and U.S. allies more inclined to seek U.S. assistance. This increased demand for military aid, coupled with Pyongyang’s possible threats, could create a further militarization of the region, escalating ongoing rivalries, and thus, creating a more dangerous and unstable environment.
International Fear of Nuclear Proliferation
The international community, meanwhile, largely fears a North Korean ICBM could lead to nuclear proliferation. North Korea declared themselves a nuclear power in 2003, which opened a Pandora’s box of fears and worries in the region and beyond. Until now, North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programs have only seen trials and preparations, with no weapons actually being produced, according to the United Nations. However, the possibility of further testing and, even more so, an actual use of those weapons has raised red flags in the region and the world.
U.S. Reactions
Since their rise to power and the start of their nuclear arms program, the United States has seen North Korea as one of the main threats in the region. Various American administrations have, in consequence, expressed their concern with North Korea’s activity and developed strategies to both protect their allies and put a halt to Pyongyang’s ambition. These strategies have, up until now, proven to have little effect, leading the United States to contemplate stronger measures, such as a military strike, which would, however, come with a significant geopolitical cost.
How Can Security in the Region Be Achieved
As North Korea continues to increase their military capabilities, the concerned parties in the region must consider the best course of action towards security and stability. To start, the international community and nations like the United States must continue to promote diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions on Pyongyang, in order to prevent a nuclear escalation. This could be possible by appealing to China, another ally of North Korea.
Additionally, the United States must also continue to strengthen their alliance with their regional partners, including South Korea, Canada and Japan, to make sure they have the necessary support to protect themselves. This could mean supplying them with the necessary military and technological resources to counter a North Korean attack or, should that fail, it could also mean meeting North Korea with a military response.
What Are the Human Consequences of an Escalation
A conflict between North Korea and the United States and its allies would come with heavy human casualties. In South Korea and Japan, it is estimated that millions of people would inevitably be affected both directly and indirectly, due to the destructive nature of a conflict. Moreover, even if the United States and its allies were to win the battle, the economic and social damage done to the region would be catastrophic and long-lasting.
What Are the Implications of the Conflict on the International System
Should the two sides clash, it would not only bring widespread destruction and human rights violations, but it could also make a precedential mark in international law. A conflict between two nuclear powers could potentially erase decades of treaties and international standards intended to ensure peace and international security.
Moreover, the resolution of the conflict could also have significant implications for international power dynamics. It could lead to the United States reassertingtheir global hegemony, or roll back on the advances in the balance of power that have been occurring in recent years. It could also have heavier implications in the region, depending on who wins the conflict, with a potential shift in the influence of China and Russia in the region.
What Role Could the United Nations Play
The United Nations has a unique role to play in this conflict. The UN’s Charter especially emphasizes the need for international cooperation and peace. As such, the organization could look to mediate between the parties involved, by imposing diplomatic and economic sanctions against North Korea and by also consolidating international support towards a peaceful solution.
Additionally, the United Nations could also mobilize its peace-keeping personnel across the region. All countries could then contribute to an international effort to protect their citizens and allies, while also promoting peaceful dialogue between the interested parties.
What Could Stringent Regulations Bring to the Table
The international community could also try to protect the region by implementing stringent regulations against both the North Korean regime, and nuclear proliferation worldwide. This could range from economic sanctions to the prohibition of illicit material for military use. These regulations could be imposed both by local governments and international organizations, such as the UN’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Such regulations could be more effective if stricter measures were also taken to prevent the spread of nuclear material between countries. The UN could lead on this and, for example, increase air and sea patrols to make sure no nuclear material is being illegally transferred between countries.
What Else Can the International Community do
The international community could also educate the local population and raise awareness around the risks of nuclear arms programs. This could be done through international educational initiatives, with both local and global outreach, to make sure people are informed of the dangers of nuclear arms and prepared should a nuclear conflict arise.
Moreover, the international community should support political initiatives within North Korea, so as to eventually foster a democratic government and end the current dictatorship. This could range from supporting dissident groups to mediation between North Korean officials and the rest of the world.
Finally, global leaders should continue to look for peaceful solutions, while also unifying their international efforts towards this goal. This could include diplomatic negotiations, economic agreements and military assistance, under the banner of international law.
