The United States has a long history of imposing embargoes against North Korea in order to contain North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The most recent embargo signed by the US was in August 2017 and it was the most comprehensive to date. The US embargo has been effective in having a lasting impact on North Korea’s economic growth and instability in the region, yet it has also been widely criticised by both North Korea and international entities.
The embargo is seen by some as an unjustified violation of North Korea’s sovereignty and human rights, while others see it as an effective and necessary brake on North Korea’s nuclear weapon capability. For example, the United Nations considers the embargo an important tool to hold North Korea accountable for its alleged violations of international law and human rights.
The US embargo does not allow US persons to conduct any trade or financial transactions with North Korea. This includes a prohibition of US imports and exports with North Korea, which is a major contributor to North Korea’s economic isolation and deprivation. In addition, the US embargo forbids the financing and transfer of arms-related goods, materials and technology. This has a severe effect on North Korea’s economy, since arms deals were previously one of North Korea’s main sources of income.
Despite being criticized by North Korea and others, the US embargo has been effective in reducing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. For example, the latest US sanctions have had a substantial effect on North Korea’s economy, resulting in a decrease in total exports and imports of goods. This has forced North Korea to choose between developing their nuclear weapons capabilities or using precious resources to better their own economic stability.
In addition, the US has also used secondary sanctions, also known as “extraterritorial sanctions,” as part of the embargo. These sanctions prohibit any non-US person or entity, who are trading with North Korea, from conducting any business with the US. This has effectively prevented external countries from propping up the North Korean economy and allowing it to fuel its nuclear ambitions.
Finally, the US embargo is an important component of US foreign policy which has a long-term goal of denuclearizing North Korea, creating regional stability and peace, and reducing North Korea’s threat to global security. In addition, the United States has also taken steps to ensure that aid is provided to the North Korean people in times of crises, despite the embargo.
Ripple Effects of the Embargo
The US embargo has also had multiple ripple effects on the international community. Countries like China and Russia have actively sought to capitalize on the vacuum created by the US embargo as a means of extending both their economic and political influence in North Korea. This has resulted in an increase of trade between North Korea and China, in particular, which has threatened to undermine the US role in North Korea.
In addition, North Korea has responded to US sanctions by intensifying of its government policies. For example, North Korea has increased spending on their nuclear and military programs, as well as on propaganda which is intended to isolate the people from the rest of the world. This has only served to further estrange the North Korean government and people from the outside world.
Finally, the US embargo and its knock-on effects have had a significant impact on the lives of everyday North Koreans. The embargo has severely restricted access to medical supplies and food, leading to a situation of poverty and deprivation in many parts of the country. It has also hindered North Korean citizens from accessing the internet and international news, which has further isolated the North Korean people.
Impact of the Embargo on Regional Stability
The US embargo has also had a lasting effect on regional stability in the Korean peninsula. North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities and its willful violation of international law have increased tension between North and South Korea as well as increasing the risk of military conflict. The US embargo has been effective in containing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, which in turn has made the region more stable.
The US embargo has also had a positive effect on US’s relations with South Korea. South Korea has expressed its support for US foreign policy towards North Korea and has shown its willingness to work with the US to help bring an end to North Korea’s nuclear program. This cooperation between the US and South Korea shows the effectiveness of the US embargo in bringing the two countries closer together.
Finally, the US embargo has also led other countries in the region to take steps to increase stability in their relations with North Korea. For example, Japan has stepped up its military presence in the region and has been engaging in increased talks with North Korean officials in hopes of de-escalating tensions.
International Response to the Embargo
The US embargo has been met with criticism both from within North Korea and in the international community. North Korea has strongly opposed the US embargos and other sanctions, as it perceives them to be an infringement of its sovereignty. In addition, North Korea has openly accused the US of using economic sanctions as a tool of “economic warfare” against it.
On the other hand, the international community has largely welcomed the US embargos as a necessary measure to contain North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Most countries agree that North Korea poses a serious threat to regional stability and that US embargos have been effective in containing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
In addition, the international community has also condemned North Korea’s actions as contrary to international law, particularly in regards to its nuclear program and human rights abuses. This has led to increased scrutiny of North Korea by the United Nations and the European Union, both of which have imposed their own embargos on North Korea.
Does the Embargo Work?
The US embargo has had a lasting effect on North Korea, yet it is unclear whether the embargo has been successful in containing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions or whether it has only led to further tension in the region.
On the one hand, US embargos have been successful in reducing North Korea’s ability to fund its nuclear program and slowing down the progress it has made in the past. On the other hand, US embargos have been criticised for their lack of effectiveness in achieving their goal of convincing North Korea to abandon their nuclear ambitions.
Furthermore, US embargos have been criticised for having a negative impact on North Korea’s population and its economy, which has hindered its ability to recover from the effects of the embargo. Finally, the US embargo has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness in improving relations between the US and North Korea and rebuilding trust between the two countries.
