North Korea’s first-use nuclear doctrine: Key drivers and implications



Analysis North Korea’s first-use nuclear doctrine: Key drivers and implications Pyongyang’s wide range of scenarios to justify use of nuclear weapons gives more room for misunderstanding and accident Chad O'Carroll September 9, 2022 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands in front of what DPRK state media described as a "miniature nuclear warhead" \| Image: Rodong Sinmun (March 9, 2016) North Korea revealed important new details about the multiple roles it says it has developed for its nuclear weapons, state newspaper Rodong Sinmun showed on Friday, with Kim Jong Un also stating his country would never again engage in denuclearization talks with foreign nations. Replacing a 10-point law on the role of North Korea’s nuclear weapons from 2013, the new legislation effectively justifies the pre-emptive use of DPRK nuclear weapons in response to an extremely wide range of circumstances. Notably, the new policy comprises five scenarios in which the DPRK would either possibly or automatically Read More © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. LATEST ANALYSIS 01North Korea reveals new vertical take-off drones amid ‘modern warfare’ push 02How long-range strikes on Russia could impact North Korean troop deployments 03How North Korean hackers and IT workers collude to cause chaos 04What pro-Trump think tanks reveal about his likely North Korea policy priorities 05Yoon bet on US to deter North Korea. Now he faces an alliance skeptic in Trump. 06All the question marks hanging over Trump’s approach to North Korea in term two 07Time almost up for North Korea’s plan to launch 3 military satellites in 2024 08Trump return rekindles prospects of North Korea talks, but Russia stands in way

Analysis

North Korea’s first-use nuclear doctrine: Key drivers and implications

Pyongyang’s wide range of scenarios to justify use of nuclear weapons gives more room for misunderstanding and accident

Chad O'Carroll September 9, 2022

North Korea’s first-use nuclear doctrine: Key drivers and implications

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands in front of what DPRK state media described as a "miniature nuclear warhead" | Image: Rodong Sinmun (March 9, 2016)

North Korea revealed important new details about the multiple roles it says it has developed for its nuclear weapons, state newspaper Rodong Sinmun showed on Friday, with Kim Jong Un also stating his country would never again engage in denuclearization talks with foreign nations.

Replacing a 10-point law on the role of North Korea’s nuclear weapons from 2013, the new legislation effectively justifies the pre-emptive use of DPRK nuclear weapons in response to an extremely wide range of circumstances.

Notably, the new policy comprises five scenarios in which the DPRK would either possibly or automatically

North Korea’s first-use nuclear doctrine: Key drivers and implications

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Chad O'Carroll