Overview

This book evaluates the extent of North Korea’s nuclear threat and proposes practical, viable options for the United States and South Korea to deter and defend against it. With North Korea’s alliance treaty with Russia and its involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine, the nuclear-armed regime now poses not only a direct threat to US and South Korean security but also presents a major challenge on the global stage. However, due to North Korea’s secrecy and isolation, combined with a lack of in-depth analysis, the specifics of its nuclear capabilities remain largely unknown. A comprehensive examination of this threat and the development of actionable solutions are both urgent and essential. Although nuclear weapons have become central to international politics due to their immense destructive power, they were developed for military purposes and should be addressed through military means. Purely diplomatic approaches to the issue have ultimately exacerbated the threat. As a retired army colonel with expertise in international relations and military affairs, the author provides detailed practical analysis and informed policy recommendations. As a South Korean scholar, he is also uniquely placed to offer a nuanced understanding of North Korea’s rhetoric and actions. By integrating theoretical research with the realities of North Korea’s nuclear armament, this timely volume presents insightful analysis and pragmatic policy proposals. It is an invaluable resource for readers and students seeking to understand North Korea’s nuclear threat and offers crucial guidance for policymakers in the United States, South Korea, and beyond in formulating effective long-term strategies to address this pressing issue.

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9781804132203

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Hwee-rhak Park is a visiting scholar at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, following his tenure as a professor and dean of the Graduate School of Politics and Leadership at Kookmin University, South Korea. He previously retired as a colonel in the South Korean Army after 31 years of service.

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