Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-kp.png "Flag of Korea (North)") | Korea (North) |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
North Korea threatens to restart nuclear plants
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| Summary |
North Korea has announced moves to restart its nuclear plants after they agreed to disarm and began disabling their complex and handed over details to the nuclear programs. The previous agreement was between six nations including China, the US, South Korea, Japan, and Russia urging North Korea to shut down their factories in exchange for one million tons of fuel oil as well as removal from the US blacklist in order to receive foreign aid. When North Korea was informed they would not be removed from the list until they adhered to US verification conditions they backed out of their agreement. Negotiations are in progress to return North Korea to their previous agreement of disarmament. | |
| Analysis |
North Korea has never particularly been a major player in terms of power compared with states such as the US, China, Japan, or Russia. North Korea’s nuclear weapons are their source of power against the other states. Other states that are economically and militarily stronger than North Korea see them as a threat to their states security. North Korea’s nuclear weapons made them an enemy of many states, cutting off relations with many of those states. North Korea’s power mainly stems from possession of nuclear weapons leaving their economy very weak and in need of foreign care. North Korea being a terrorist threat was placed under the US terrorism blacklist which blocks some foreign aid, placing them in a predicament. The US was able to use their power and influence to get North Korea to remove their nuclear plants.
North Korea would not be taken off the blacklist until the passed the US’s verification conditions causing a negative reaction from North Korea. North Korea in an attempt to be seen as a formidable power went back on their agreement and announced moves to restart its atomic plants. This move proved to be an effective scare tactic forcing the US to continue further negotiations. North Korea’s lack of military or economic power makes them rely on nuclear weapons to give them power in order to scare other states into getting their way. Because these nuclear weapons are their only source of power this is why they might be so hesitant to rid themselves completely of nuclear plants and weapons.
In order for the US to protect their security and South Korea protect their territory North Korea’s nuclear threats must be put to rest. Until North Korea ends their nuclear program the states’ security will be at risk of being intimidated by North Korea’s arms. The want to be a contender with other world powers will continue the race of arms in North Korea and the rest of the world.
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| Perspective |  | Realist |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | September 26, 2008 at 11:28 am | |
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