The world has watched as North Korea has steadily developed its ballistic missile capabilities, causing alarm and provoking a range of reactions from the major powers of the world. North Korea’s controversial firing of missiles is seen as an effort to increase its geopolitical influence and command attention on the international stage. It is a perplexing problem with little hope for resolution.
The country has approximately 1,000 missiles in its current arsenal, including short-range missiles such as the Rodong-1, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead over a distance of 300 miles. The Hermit Kingdom also has a variety of medium-range ballistic missiles, such as the ballistic missile Sim Jong-2, capable of reaching targets as far away as South Korea, Japan and Guam. There is concern that North Korea may also have intercontinental ballistic missiles, though the country has yet to demonstrate such capability. In addition, the country is believed to have a sizable stockpile of chemical and conventional weapons.
There is little doubt that the development of North Korea’s arsenal is an effort to project strength and demonstrate its deterrence capability. North Korea has repeatedly stated that it will not use its weapons of mass destruction “unless it is forced to”. This means that the primary purpose of its missile developments is to act as a deterrent, using the threat of a possible missile launch to maintain its sovereignty against external threats and hostile forces. The combination of North Korea’s arsenal and rhetoric is also seen as an attempt to increase North Korea’s leverage in international negotiations and politics.
Although North Korea claims that its missile tests are part of an effort to advance its capabilities, their timing is often seen as politically provocative. For example, the country has been accused of deliberately conducting missile tests at times of high diplomatic tension or high-profile events, such as the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. The international community has been quick to condemn these tests, and the United Nations Security Council has repeatedly imposed sanctions against the country for its actions.
As the security threats from North Korea continue to mount, the world must grapple with how best to respond. Experts agree that the most effective approach to curbing North Korea’s missile tests is to maintain diplomatic pressure and persuade the country to move towards denuclearization. International sanctions, such as those imposed by the United Nations, can reduce North Korea’s access to resources and money necessary for its missile development programs. In addition, direct dialogue between the United States, South Korea and other regional powers can help ease tensions and create a more stable foundation for negotiations.
North Korea’s pursuing of ballistic missile technology is a serious security concern for the international community, but its motives remain murky. As the world works to find a solution, any resolution should recognize the importance of diplomatic pressure and negotiation. It is also clear that North Korea must be held accountable for its actions, as the firing of missiles cannot be allowed to become a potential instrument of destabilizing international affairs.
Military Strategy
North Korea’s missile program is clearly a military strategy, as the country seeks to bolster its military capabilities with the acquisition of more powerful weapons. The country is estimated to have a stockpile of up to 30 nuclear warheads and is in possession of missiles able to reach the entire territory of South Korea, Japan, and potentially even Guam. With these weapons, North Korea can be seen to be striving for credibility, as it strives to create an image of “gunboat diplomacy”.
North Korea’s military strategy does not end with its nuclear arsenal. The country also has conventional weapons such as short- and long-range ballistic missiles, surface-to-air missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as a sizable force of ground troops. This comprehensive military arsenal provides North Korea with a number of options for responding to external threats, and it is likely that the country will attempt to use its weapons as a deterrent in order to maintain its sovereignty and power.
The international community must find ways to respond to North Korea’s military build-up. Economic sanctions have been imposed on the country, in an effort to reduce the access to resources and funding needed for its weapons development. The United Nations Security Council has also imposed a series of resolutions in an attempt to slow North Korea’s progress. One such measure was the establishment of a North Korean Missile Test Ban, prohibiting the testing, launch and development of ballistic missiles within the country. The effectiveness of these measures is uncertain, however, and the continued development of North Korea’s military capabilities is an ongoing concern.
The situation becomes even more complex when one takes into account the regional competition for influence and power in East Asia. South Korea, Japan and China all have a vested interest in the security of the region, and are likely to respond to any aggressive actions by North Korea in kind. This regional tension further complicates the challenge of dealing with North Korea’s missile tests.
Economic Factors
The economic factors that are driving North Korea’s missile program must also not be overlooked. The country’s recent economic downturn has forced it to embrace more extreme measures to acquire resources, including engaging in cyber-attacks, counterfeiting and drug smuggling. North Korea also relies heavily on international aid, some of which is provided in exchange for the promise of limited access to its military sites.
North Korea is also believed to be profiting from the sale of its missile technology to other countries, a controversial practice that began in the late 1990s. It is believed that North Korea has sold its missile technology to Iran and the Middle East, as well as to countries such as Syria and Pakistan. Although North Korea claims to only sell conventional arms, some experts believe that the country is selling nuclear technology and missiles with nuclear capabilities.
The economic motives behind North Korea’s pursuit of missile technology must be taken into account in any diplomatic solution. The international community must ensure that North Korea does not benefit from the sale of its weapons and technologies, as these funds could be used to further develop its nuclear capabilities. In addition, sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council should be targeted at North Korean entities believed to be involved in illegal activities.
Political Agenda
Political agendas are also in play when it comes to North Korea’s missile program. North Korea sees its possession of missiles as a tool of negotiation and as a way to gain diplomatic recognition and legitimacy on the world stage. North Korea has sought to present itself as a victim of imperialism, and its rhetoric often focuses on the country’s supposed vulnerability and oppression. This rhetoric often serves to rally North Korean citizens around the regime, but it also serves to heighten the tension between North Korea and the West.
The United States and its allies have been critical of North Korea’s provocative missile tests, accusing the country of using the tests to gain attention and exert influence. In response, North Korea has cited the need for self-defence and has called for a peaceful resolution of the tension between the two countries. This tension has been further fuelled by President Trump’s so-called “fire and fury” approach, which has at times appeared to increase the risk of outright military confrontation.
The global response to North Korea’s missile tests will have to include a recognition of its political motivations. Although North Korea’s missile tests are certainly threatening and must be addressed, any response must take into account the country’s attempts to boost its geopolitical status and protect its sovereignty. The international community must find ways to defuse the current tensions, and it is essential that negotiations are based on mutual respect and understanding.
Potential Solutions
North Korea’s pursuit of ballistic missile technology has caused considerable concern among the international community. However, in order to resolve the conflict and move towards a lasting solution, the global response must acknowledge and address the political, economic and military motivations behind North Korea’s actions.
One potential solution is for the United States and its allies to return to the negotiating table in order to reach a negotiated settlement with North Korea. Such an agreement should recognise North Korea’s right to self-defence, while maintaining strict limits on the country’s nuclear capabilities. At the same time, economic sanctions should be maintained to restrict North Korea’s access to resources and money necessary for its missile development.
There is also a need for greater international cooperation and coordination in order to effectively address the North Korean issue. Experience has shown that international sanctions alone are not enough to deter North Korea, and it is essential that countries such as South Korea, Japan and China work together to apply collective pressure on the regime.
Finally, it is important to remember that dialogue is the key to any resolution. Although the situation is complex and the security threats posed by North Korea’s missile program are real, there must be a willingness to explore diplomatic solutions and engage in meaningful dialogue with the regime. A lasting peace will only be achieved if all sides are willing to make concessions and show respect for the other’s interests.
