Accession Number:

AD1031468

Title:

Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities in Readjusting the U.S.-ROK Alliance

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

ASIA-PACIFIC CENTER FOR SECURITY STUDIES HONOLULU HI HONOLULU United States

Personal Author(s):

• Minnich,James M.

Report Date:

2005-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

42.0

Abstract:

This chapter begins by examining the questions, What are Americas interests, vis--vis North Korea and What should America be willing to do to ensure the integrity of its interests. Between 1950 and the late 1980s, the U.S. government predominately viewed North Korea as a direct threat against the security of South Korea, an important East Asian ally. During this period, in order to deter North Korea from attacking South Korea and to assure South Korea of Americas intention to defend its territorial integrity, the U.S. stationed tens of thousands of combat troops on the South Korean peninsula. However, since 1986, when North Korea began operating its 5-megawatt electric nuclear power reactor at Yongbyon, followed in 1988 by a U.S. satellite detection of a Yongbyon-based plutonium reprocessing plant, the U.S. has viewed North Korea as more than just a regional threat. Now as a potential nuclear weapons proliferator, American national interests towards North Korea have exponentially increased.

Descriptors:

• south korea
• north korea
• Deterrence
• national security
• nuclear weapons
• foreign relations
• united states
• nuclear materials
• national politics
• weapons of mass destruction
• foreign policy
• agreements
• economic sanctions
• foreign aid
• MILITARY BUDGETS
• military forces(foreign)
• nuclear proliferation
• COUNTER PROLIFERATION

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE