Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Assessing the Role of Security Assurances in Dealing with North Korea

Open to the Public

After conducting nuclear weapon tests in 2006 and 2009, North Korea has increasingly insisted that it has become the world's ninth nuclear weapon state. Many interpretations of North Korean nuclear decision-making leading to this predicament are inadequate in explaining Pyongyang's nuclear behavior. While hostile U.S. policy is frequently cited by North Korea as the reason it needs a nuclear deterrent, a close examination of its nuclear behavior reveals that even when the United States offered explicit security assurances, North Korea continued with its nuclear weapons development. Are security assurances relevant in negotiating North Korea’s peaceful denuclearization?

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Date: Time: - Location: Littauer Building - Belfer Center Library, Room 369
File footage of North Korea's May 25, 2009 nuclear test is shown in Seoul, ROK, Oct. 25, 2011. U.S. and North Korean diplomats began their 2nd day of direct talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program.

About

After conducting nuclear weapon tests in 2006 and 2009, North Korea has increasingly insisted that it has become the world's ninth nuclear weapon state. Many interpretations of North Korean nuclear decision-making leading to this predicament are inadequate in explaining Pyongyang's nuclear behavior. While hostile U.S. policy is frequently cited by North Korea as the reason it needs a nuclear deterrent, a close examination of its nuclear behavior reveals that even when the United States offered explicit security assurances, North Korea continued with its nuclear weapons development. Are security assurances relevant in negotiating North Korea’s peaceful denuclearization?

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.