With North Korea, force is not the answer

The whole world seems perturbed over North Korea’s growing nuclear threat and the impasse that this extremely intricate issue has created between the United States (US) and North Korea.

While the US vociferously speaks of imposing tough sanctions on North Korea for its belligerent and condescending attitude vis-à-vis its nuclear escapades, North Korea seems totally unmoved by US threats. It also fearlessly continues to test its nuclear missiles, one after the other.

The question that arises is, should North Korea be blamed for equipping itself with sophisticated nuclear arsenal for its self-defence? Particularly, when seen in the context of very powerful countries like Russia and China, and since it has enemies like South Korea, Japan, and the US (with its military bases in these latter two countries). The answer would truly be ‘no’.

The factor that gave fillip to North Korea’s nuclear build-up is the South Korean economy that grew rapidly through the 1970s and 1980s. North Korea felt vulnerable with its own deteriorating centrally planned economy. The alarming economic situation perhaps compelled North Korea to initiate acquisition of nuclear technology with significant help from its close friends, like China and Russia.

There were other factors too, that significantly contributed towards North Korea’s rapid nuclear build-up. The US interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya confirmed the vulnerabilities that the Kim regime felt. It justified the country’s policy to consolidate its nuclear capabilities, with the intent of safeguarding its economic and geopolitical interests.

What is the way out of this ghastly predicament? Force certainly is not the answer. It could potentially prove to be devastating, not only for the countries of the region but also for the US and perhaps the entire world. Sanctions too must be ruled out as an option, as it would compel North Korea to retaliate ferociously.

The option that seems more reasonable, and perhaps could prove to be productive, is diplomacy. The US must make sincere endeavours to bring the North Korean government to the negotiating table and try to resolve this critical issue diplomatically.

- The reader is a freelance writer based in Islamabad, Pakistan.