Background Information
In August 2017, North Korea began threatening Guam with a series of missile launches. North Korea is a secretive, reclusive country in East Asia whose leaders often obtain power through force and are often unpredictable. They have frequently issued threats against other nations, particularly the United States. Guam, on the other hand, is a United States territory in the Pacific Ocean run by the people of Guam and administered by the United States government.
North Korea has a history of making bellicose threats against the United States and its allies, although usually the threats haven’t manifested into action. However, the threats against Guam are particularly concerning and have caused considerations about the best way to respond to the threats. As a result, there is a need to understand why North Korea is particularly threatening toward Guam.
Military Considerations
One factor to consider is the strategic military value of Guam. It is located roughly 1,500 miles south of North Korea and plays an important role in US defense efforts in the Pacific. The US military has a large presence on the island, with the US Navy, US Air Force, US Marine Corps, and the US Coast Guard all having significant bases on the island.
Not only is Guam strategically important, but it is also seen as a symbol of American power in the region. North Korea likely sees Guam as a major threat to its own security. As a result, it may be attempting to send a message to the United States and its allies that it will not tolerate any perceived aggression.
Political Considerations
It is also possible that political considerations are motivating North Korea’s threats against Guam. The current strongman of the regime, Kim Jong-un, has only recently taken power and is in the process of consolidating his own rule. He is attempting to portray himself as a powerful leader and will likely use any excuse to do so.
North Korea has frequently attempted to present itself as a victim of US aggression, and the threats against Guam may be seen as a way to garner sympathy from North Korea’s allies and to justify its own behavior. It is possible that Kim Jong-un is attempting to drum up support at home by portraying the US as a threat.
Economics Considerations
Finally, North Korea’s threats against Guam may be motivated by economics considerations. North Korea is an impoverished nation with a failing economy. Its leaders may see an attack against the US as a way to gain leverage in the international arena and to extract some financial concessions from the US and its allies.
North Korea has already used its nuclear arsenal as a bargaining chip in the past, and it may be hoping to use threats against Guam in a similar way. It is possible that the regime is attempting to gain economic concessions from the United States in exchange for not attacking Guam.
North Korea’s Intentions
It is difficult to discern North Korea’s exact intentions behind its threats against Guam. The country’s leaders are secretive and the regime is notoriously difficult to read. It is clear, however, that there are a variety of motivations behind the threats, with strategic, political, and economic considerations likely all playing a part.
Whatever North Korea’s motivations, it is clear that the United States and its allies must take the threats seriously and prepare to respond accordingly. Understanding why North Korea is threatening Guam is the first step in devising an effective response.
Effects on Guam People
The threats from North Korea have caused understandable fear and anxiety on Guam. The island has a population of roughly 160,000 people, less than a quarter of whom are US citizens. This population is feeling the effects of the situation, as it has stirred fear of potential nuclear strike even though North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has not given orders to launch the missiles.
The people of Guam are thus stuck in limbo, living in fear and anxiety while they wait to see what happens. The Obama administration has reassured the people of Guam that the US will protect them, but in the absence of concrete action, the fear persists.
Reaction Around the World
The threats against Guam have evoked strong reactions from countries around the world. China, Japan and South Korea have all decried North Korea’s actions and are working together to de-escalate the situation. On the other hand, Russia has taken the view that the US and its allies are to blame for the situation and has accused the US of provoking North Korea.
The situation also raises important questions about the use of nuclear weapons. If North Korea is prepared to launch a preemptive nuclear attack, it opens up the possibility of other nations doing the same, thus raising the stakes in international relations.
US-North Korea Diplomatic Relations
The US and North Korea have seeking to negotiate over the North Korean nuclear program for several years now, and it is possible that North Korea is attempting to extract some concessions from the US through its threats against Guam. The US, however, has hesitated to enter into talks with North Korea in the wake of its threats, arguing that it will not negotiate under the threat of military force.
At the same time, the US is hoping that its alliances with countries like China and South Korea can be used to restrain North Korea, while also offering to hold talks with North Korea if it is willing to negotiate in good faith. In short, the US is attempting to bring North Korea back to the diplomatic table.
US Diplomacy and Military Activity
The US has been attempting to contain the situation through diplomatic efforts as well as by increasing its military presence in the region. As mentioned before, it has attempted to rally its allies to contain North Korea, while also increasing its military presence in the region as a show of strength.
At the same time, the US has taken a firm stance against the use of military force, arguing that any attempts by North Korea to carry out attacks against Guam or other US allies will be met with swift and overwhelming retaliation. The US is thus attempting to bolster its position through both diplomacy and military activity.
Conclusion
North Korea’s threats against Guam have raised tensions around the world, and understanding why North Korea is doing so is an important step in devising an effective response. It appears that there are a variety of motivations for the threats, with strategic, political, and economic considerations all playing a part. The US and its allies are attempting to contain the situation through diplomacy and military activity, while still offering to hold talks with North Korea if it is willing to negotiate in good faith. In the meantime, the people of Guam will continue to live in fear and anxiety, waiting to see what will happen next.
