Analysis & Opinions - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
Not So Fast: Pyongyang's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
Once again, North Korea has reminded the world of its intention to develop a nuclear weapons capability. North Korea's February 12 nuclear test is reported to have been in the six to ten kiloton (kt) range, a relatively modest yield in comparison to most nuclear weapons tests. As North Korea continues its efforts, it is important to consider the enormous difficulty that even developed states have encountered on their way to becoming members of the nuclear club.
The production of nuclear materials and their eventual weaponization, coupled with the complexities of the delivery systems, guidance sets and myriad other components makes this endeavor challenging on multiple levels. Can North Korea eventually become a nuclear power? Sure, but it won't be easy…or cheap. Can North Korea overcome the remaining technological hurdles to operationalize a nuclear weapons capability? Does Pyongyang have the capacity and resources to maintain and operate its nuclear capability over the long term? Can we gather any insights into what its nuclear strategy might be?
North Korea has conducted two earlier nuclear tests....
Continue reading: http://journal.georgetown.edu/2013/02/20/not-so-fast-pyongyangs-nuclear-weapons-ambitions-by-dana-struckman-and-terence-roehrig/
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For Academic Citation:
Struckman, Dana and Terence Roehrig.“Not So Fast: Pyongyang's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions.” Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, February 20, 2013.
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Once again, North Korea has reminded the world of its intention to develop a nuclear weapons capability. North Korea's February 12 nuclear test is reported to have been in the six to ten kiloton (kt) range, a relatively modest yield in comparison to most nuclear weapons tests. As North Korea continues its efforts, it is important to consider the enormous difficulty that even developed states have encountered on their way to becoming members of the nuclear club.
The production of nuclear materials and their eventual weaponization, coupled with the complexities of the delivery systems, guidance sets and myriad other components makes this endeavor challenging on multiple levels. Can North Korea eventually become a nuclear power? Sure, but it won't be easy…or cheap. Can North Korea overcome the remaining technological hurdles to operationalize a nuclear weapons capability? Does Pyongyang have the capacity and resources to maintain and operate its nuclear capability over the long term? Can we gather any insights into what its nuclear strategy might be?
North Korea has conducted two earlier nuclear tests....
Continue reading: http://journal.georgetown.edu/2013/02/20/not-so-fast-pyongyangs-nuclear-weapons-ambitions-by-dana-struckman-and-terence-roehrig/
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - TIME Magazine
Will Russia Go Nuclear? 7 Key Questions to Consider
Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War: Nuclear Weapons Still Matter
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Journal Article - Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Ideal Qualities of a Successful Diplomat
Paper
India's Foreign Policy