North Korea Weapons of Mass Destruction

North Korea WMD The weapons of mass destruction problem in North Korea is characterized by a number of geographic and political issues. North Korea (the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea, or DPRK). In January of 2003, North Korea has withdrawn from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Chanda and Evans, 2003; Kyong-Soo Kim). In addition, North Korea has developed long-range missiles, and recent reports suggest that the country is now the "world's largest proliferators of ballistic missile technology" (Kyong-Soo Kim). Further, the country is reputed to have chemical and biological weapons (Kyong-Soo Kim).

As such, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in North Korea has sparked a great deal of conflict with the United States and other nations. The weapons of mass destruction problem in North Korea is compounded by spatial and geographic issues. Physically, North Korea borders South Korea, with both China and Japan close neighbors, and Russia in close proximity as well. As such, these neighboring countries have a high stake in the weapons of mass destruction issue in North Korea.

Further, a united effort by North Korea's neighbors may play an important role in pressuring the nation to reduce its commitment to weapons of mass destruction (Chanda and Evans, 2003). Political aspects of the North Korean weapons of mass destruction issue are complex and disturbing. Notes Richard L. Armitage, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, North Korea's "programs to develop weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery are a.. threat to the international community, regional security, U.S. interests, and U.S.

forces, which remain an integral part of stability in the region." Former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans has a slightly different perspective, arguing that the Korean problem "is just a symptom of a larger problem of potential proliferation.. Of weapons of mass destruction" (Chanda and Evans, 2003). Essentially, Evans argues that North Korea (and other nations) feel that their best protection against a U.S. attack is to.