This is definitely an eventful year for all around the globe.
North Korea is on the headlines nowadays for its provocative actions. Its nuclear weapon and missile tests have disrupted the peace in the region. As a result, sanctions have been imposed and its response is equally tough.
The question why or what have caused the North Koreans to be disconnected from the rest of the world? It has a population of nearly 23 million, with largest portion from the age of 30-39. Leader, Kim Jong il, is now 68 years old and planning to pass the baton on to one of his sons. This led to speculation that recent provocations are related to the succession of his heir. These tests should be directed at external parties, rather than in-fighting (a show of power). If Kim is to be compared as someone like Hitler, then he must be in great need of time as he has surpassed its nation’s life expectancy of 63.8. And even if by firing nuclear weapons could help to conquer South Korea or maybe the world, then its 23 million people still faces the problem of spreading across the peninsula and beyond. Hence, it is possible that Kim wants talks (or rather negotiation) to continue even when there is a change of leadership. The focus should not be who is the leader but rather who has the nuclear weapons.
However, it is equally debatable to say that timing is a cause. It happens at this moment just because time is ripe. The breakthrough in technology know-how has just taken place and the North Koreans are close to succeed in making their own atomic bombs. The missile tests are probably used as smoke screens. There must be a certain level of confidence existed before such tests were made (as it is difficult to hide the execution of such tests). What’s more is that it was only not too long ago that the 6 parties talks were making some progress. So why would North Korea make worse of the situation? But if the talks were used to just buy more time, then it would probably make sense.
So, is the nuclear weapon solely for negotiation purposes? Or is it a tool to repay those who have done wrong to North Korea. Perhaps the discovery of uranium had given the North a lifeline and a twist of luck. It can now not only defend itself but also expand. The only thing that makes me curious is just by how much expansion will this weaponry breakthrough bring about. Neighboured by 2 countries with more nukes than itself, North Korea can only limit its targets to the south and east. Though there are no similar weapons in these regions, the regions received extra protection from the US. If the target is US, then it would be even tougher as a safe interception could be made somewhere in the middle of the Pacific ocean. Remaining risks are perhaps the mishandling or misfiring of the bombs, killing its own people. Exports of the weapons could provide a good source of revenue but then it would put it into direction competition with Russia. Unless the North really wants to take its chance with the South, there is really little use of such weapons. Even though it can make 8-9 nukes, it could most likely fire 1-2 before it itself is struck by the same kind of weapon.
Going to the negotiation table with a threatening attitude seldom works. If there is a sure-win party, then there is really no need for any talks. There has to be an exchange that keeps everyone happy. There got to be quite amount of give-and-take. Negotiation does take a long time but if it can everyone happy for a long, long time ,then I don’t see why, not?
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