Military Strength
As one of the world’s most militarily powerful countries, America has significantly more resources and technological capabilities than North Korea. According to various sources, the United States has more than 1,400 military aircraft, 500,000 active personnel and over 2,000 nuclear weapons. In comparison, North Korea has a smaller arsenal but still fields an estimated 5,200,000 active personnel, 11,500 aircraft, and somewhere between 10 and 20 nuclear weapons.
The US has about 20,000 tanks in service, compared to North Korea’s 5,500. However, the North Korean tanks are considered relatively antiquated and don’t match up with American tank technology which is among the most advanced in the world. On the other hand, North Korea has an estimated 9,000 artillery pieces, while the US has just over 5,000.
Economic Strength
The US is a much larger economy with an estimated Gross Domestic Product of more than $19 trillion. North Korea is significantly smaller with an estimated GDP of around $40 billion. US GDP per capita is also much higher than North Korea’s, at an estimated $62,000 compared to North Korea’s $1,795.
The US also enjoys being part of the global economy through organizations such as the World Trade Organization. North Korea, while granted access to the WTO recently in 2013, isn’t heavily integrated into the global economic system like the US.
The US has the ability to economically influence other countries and can impose sanctions or other trade barriers to support their foreign policy objectives. North Korea, due to its relative economic isolation, does not have the same type of economic power.
Diplomatic Strength
Although North Korea is a member of the United Nations, the US has traditionally had much more sway in the international organization. The US is usually among the most powerful members in the UN Security Council and wields considerable diplomatic clout.
The US has long been an advocate for democracies around the world and has been a leader in international organizations such as NATO, the G7 and the WTO. North Korea has traditionally been largely isolated from global affairs, despite recent diplomatic efforts.
Soft Power Strength
The US is considered a superpower in terms of its influence in the world. It has long been regarded as a leader in the fields of technology, culture and the arts. The US is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is one of the top countries for foreign students to study in.
North Korea, on the other hand, is largely cut off from the global stage. Its government strictly controls information that is available to its citizens, including blocking access to the internet. This has weakened North Korea’s ability to reach out and interact with the rest of the world.
Space Strength
In terms of space exploration and technology, the US is the clear leader. The US has the most powerful space exploration program and the most advanced space technology. The country is also home to some of the largest private space programs in the world, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.
North Korea, however, has been slower to embrace space exploration, only launching its first satellite in 2016. Although North Korea has recently ramped up its space program, the country still lags behind the US in terms of technology, capabilities and resources.
International Relations
The US also enjoys strong international relations, particularly with its allies in Europe and the Middle East. The US works closely with NATO and the other regional organizations in their various security initiatives and military operations. The US has also been a leader in international organizations and initiatives such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
North Korea, meanwhile, is isolated from the international community and isolated from many of its Asian neighbours. The country is largely isolated and is not heavily involved in international organizations or initiatives.
Defense Systems
The US has one of the most powerful defense systems in the world. The country is largely protected by a large array of systems such as ballistic missile defense, air defense, cyber defense, and other various defense systems. The country is also home to some of the most sophisticated surveillance and counter-terrorism technologies in the world.
North Korea, on the other hand, has relatively primitive defense systems and is vastly outmatched by the US in terms of defensive technologies. The country has been investing heavily in its nuclear program, but the nature of the technology makes it incredibly difficult to deploy it and use it effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the US is significantly more powerful than North Korea in almost all aspects, including military strength, economic strength, diplomatic strength, soft power, space exploration, international relations, and defense systems. Furthermore, while North Korea is making strides to catch up to the US, the country still lags far behind in terms of technological sophistication, capabilities, and resources.
