How US absolutism on North Korean nukes endangers its nonproliferation goals | NK News
September 18, 2024
Columns

How US absolutism on North Korean nukes endangers its nonproliferation goals

Refusal to consider anything short of complete denuclearization is increasing pressure on South Korea to go nuclear

Washington orthodoxy holds that any deal short of total denuclearization is unacceptable, as it would grievously undermine the global nonproliferation regime.

Yet by rigidly adhering to this all-or-nothing stance in the face of an accelerating North Korean nuclear buildup, the U.S. is perversely increasing the risks of a proliferation catastrophe — in particular by allowing pressure to build on South Korea to go nuclear.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.