North Korea Internal Affairs and The Response of South Korea and The United States - Term Paper Example

North Korea internal affairs and the response of South Korea and the United States Overview North Korea is considered one of the world’s secretive societies and one of the remaining countries under communist rule. The country’s nuclear determinations have intensified its continual isolation from the rest of the world. The end of World War II saw the emergence of North Korea in 1948 with a history dominated by Kim II-sung, a great leader who spearheaded political affairs for half a century. Kim II-sung introduced a philosophy of self-reliance after the Korean War that became a guiding path for development. He later died in 1994. However the strict state controlled system has led to leadership dependent on personality and stagnation. It is believed that two million people since mid-1990s died because of food shortages caused by economic mismanagement and natural disaster making the country rely on foreign aid to feed its people. North Korea is also accused of human rights abuse with reports of slave labor, torture, public execution, forced abortions, and about 200,000 political prisoners (BBC par. 7). Conflicts have started to emerge between North and South Korea with Pyongyang accusing subsequent South Korean governments of being United States puppets, but the visit in 2000 by Korean President Kim Dae-jung gestured easing relations. Introduction In 2002 Pyongyang made a decision to reactivate its nuclear reactor and to do away with international inspectors. North Korea in October 2006 reported that it had tested a nuclear weapon successfully spreading fear throughout the region and intensifying diplomatic efforts to halt the nuclear ambitions of North Korea. The February of 2007 saw Pyongyang agreeing to close down its nuclear reactor for diplomatic concessions and aid, but there was stalling of negotiations because North Korea accused the United States, Japan, South Korea, Russia and China, its negotiating partners for failing to meet the agreed obligation. This saw the rising tension in 2008 between the rest of the world and North Korea after South Korean president Lee Myung-bak ended the sunshine policy of its predecessor. Moreover, the following year, April 2009 saw North Korea walking out of international talks that was intended to end its nuclear activities. This was followed by an underground nuclear test and took itself out of 1953 truce that saw the end of two Koreas war. Tensions rocketed sky high in 2010 when the North was accused by the South Korea of sinking its warships and cut all border trade. This followed by United States imposing sanctions on North Korea leading Kim Jong-IL to resume nuclear talks and showed willingness to accept the aid of South Korea to cope with flood damage. Kim Jong-un his successor in December 2011agreed to suspend long range missile tests in return for United States food aid in 2012, but later announced an impending rocket launch satellite to mark Kim II-Sung’s birthday which failed. Furthermore, Pyongyang in October 2012 reported that it had missiles capable of hitting the United States mainland. This in December was followed by a suggestion of North Korea building new missile rocket technology bringing serious condemnation from the United States, the UN, China and Japan. In February 2013, North Korea performed a nuclear test receiving UN Security Council sanctions on travel for its diplomats and cash transfers. North Korea has declared that it would restart it facilities at Yongbyon nuclear complex (BBC par. 19) and threatened the United States and South Korea with war. North Korea threats to South Korea and the United States The unpredictable nature of North Korea is what raises many issues to South Korea, United States and the international community. North Korea compares with Iran, which does not possess a nuclear arsenal, there was a previous war fought on the Korean Peninsula century ago. In addition, North Korea is a country that does not shy away from attacks and has demonstrated its resolve to bring the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war. For instance, South Korea warship was sunk by North Korea in 2010 killing 46 sailors and attacking of Yeonpyeong Island in 2010 killing four South Koreans (Lyman & Coleman par. 4). Moreover, there are other numerous threats North Korea has made towards South Korea and the United States. North Korea has continuously refused Southern workers from accessing joint industrial zone in the North in addition to threatening to shut down the zone. Also, the North has made statements threatening preemptive nuclear strikes and attacks on specific targets in the United States and South Korea. The lists of possible target countries for attack include the United States mainland and Hawaii (BBC par. 3). On its state television, the North has declared war on the South with resolution to open a nuclear reactor defying UN Security Council resolutions. The declaration was made with a video depicting their plan of attack complete with special effects and very bad graphics. Another threat has been the test firing of a short range missile into the Sea of Japan, increasing regional tensions and resulting to United States activating ground missile interceptors as a precaution measure. Nevertheless, all these threats have been seen to be Kim’s way of testing the new administration in South Korea that has taken office (Kazianis par. 3). Response of South Korea and the United States to threats from North Korea In response to North Korea’s nuclear attack and other threats, the United States and South Korea military have started exercises involving 10,000 South Korean and 3,000 American soldiers at the beginning of (Lyman & Coleman par. 1). Although there are doubts that North Korea can deliver a warhead to the United States. Since North Korea is unpredictable unlike a country like Iran that does not have nuclear technology capabilities, the United States has not taken chances. The U.S. has activated ground missile interceptors as a precaution to a preemptive nuclear strike from North Korea, while South Korea has increased its military defense readiness. The international community, the UN council in conjunction with the United States has also responded with sanctions on North Korea by banning the sale of racing cars, importing missile and nuclear related items, sale of yachts, certain types of jewelry, and luxury automobiles (Charbonneau par. 19). Similarly, the sanctions imposed on North Korea are similar to the ones that were imposed on Iran who were suspected of developing nuclear weapons. The United States has also carried out long range missions using nuclear capable B-2 stealth bombers over the Korean Peninsula showing the commitment of protecting its allies including Japan and South Korea (Shanker & Sang-Hun par. 1). The responses from the United States indicate its persistence military involvement will contribute to the postponement of the long delayed Korean War. Analysis of response of South Korea and the United States to threats from North Korea Military analysis In North Korea direct military intervention or action is not a suitable choice because of the possibility of North Korea’s nuclear capability and the threat that South Korean capital city Seoul would be under threat of total annihilation. In addition, North Korea has a very large standing army at the demilitarized zone and thousands of United States soldiers could face extinction from a preemptive nuclear strike. However, the United States has taken measures to defend itself and its allies from any nuclear attacks by using ground missile interceptors as a precaution to a preemptive nuclear strike from North Korea. The ground missile interceptors would ensure South Korea is not turned into dust and their introduction to South Korea would deter North Korea from trying to attack the South. In addition to this, the flying of the B-2 bomber has also highlighted to North Korea of the capabilities of launching a nuclear bomb by the United States. The importance is to show North Korea that in the event they launch a preemptive nuclear attack on South Korea or the allies of the United States then in retaliation it would be destroyed immediately using the B-2 bombers. Economic analysis There are fears that in the month of April, 2013 famine will loom over North Korea and this may worsen the economic conditions resulting in instability of Kim’s regime implying he would need military backing incase the general population starts to revolt. The refusal of Southern workers from accessing joint industrial zone in the North in addition to threatening to shut down the zone has caused layoffs of South Korea workers. Further causing unemployment to the North Korean’s increasing instability of the general population. On the other hand, the imposed sanctions by the United Nations have devastating implications to North Korea and its people. The steps taken by the United Nations against North Korea regarding its nuclear program is designed to bring the country in line with harsh restrictions like the ones Iran is facing, but the sanctions seem to have no effects on Kim, Pyongyang’s leader. As seen in the discussion, the sanctions only provoked North Korea and resulted in the threat of a preemptive nuclear strike against the United States and its allies. The lingering issue is whether with time the sanctions will work against North Korea or not. Some views among analysts have been the reluctance of China, the diplomatic protector of North Korea on whether they want the full implementation of the United Nations restrictions on trade with North Korea. This could have serious ramifications on the economy of both China and North Korea. This will ensure the movement of money is restricted and access to products like centrifuge operation and missile components could be impossible to procure by North Koreans. However, the implication of sanctions will result in loss of revenue by the Chinese from North Korea. Moreover, the council’s resolution to prevent countries from performing financial relations with Pyongyang that could aid them to acquire missile components and nuclear programs is to be recommended. The sanctions also allow North Korean cargo to be intersected in random raids. This prevents missile and nuclear components from being shipped into the country. In addition to unilateral United States and European Union sanctions that are similar to Iran are predicted to have a huge impact on the North Korea economy. In Iran, the economy has deteriorated and the Iran currency has caused massive inflation which is seen to replicate in North Korea. Nevertheless, there is a perception that China may not assert pressure on North Korea even though China does not like Pyongyang’s nuclear program. This is for the simple reason that if North Korea was to fall, then there would be the collapse of Beijing neighborhood and a constant flood of economic refugees into China. The fear of China is having a both North and South Korea being ruled by Seoul with the United States. Social analysis On social implications of the threats from North Korea to South Korea and America, there seem to be huge issues materializing. The justified fear of the collapse of North Korea if they are defeated in war is real. Collapse of North Korea would imply flooding of refugees into China resulting to scramble for resources including jobs, food, shelter and even clothing. Also, the collapse would signify the loss of nuclear weapons to South Korea making them a nuclear power country that could threaten China in the future. This would cause civil unrest in China and may result in the collapse of China. In the event of the collapse of North Korea, South Korea and its allies, the United States would have full control of Korea and this would imply controlled trade agreements between Korea and China resulting in closing of businesses rendering people unemployed and incapable of fending for themselves. This is why China is refusing to impose strict sanctions that may cause internal collapse. The instability on the Korean Peninsula could give nuclear ideas to South Koreans and this could result to an all-out nuclear war that would result in total annihilation of the Korea since South Korea may feel they do not have another alternative to protect themselves. This has serious implications for the social lives of the people living in Korea. As a result of war involving nuclear missiles, the country could have diseases caused by exposure to uranium such as cancer, sudden death, inhabited places, and destroyed homes. This could instill fear in the people in China and North Korea and the United States’ missile defense system could deter China’s own ambitions of being a nuclear power country. Political Analysis There are political implications of the threats North Korea has imposed on South Korea and the United States including its allies. The United Nations Security Council should use the resolution in Chapter 7 (Cha and Kim par. 5) That will include severe sanctions from financial sanctions, targeting of assets of political leaders held out of the country, and travel bans. This will enable the political leaders under Kim to evaluate their loyalty as their assets get held because of sanctions by foreign countries and may result to political pressure and eventually halt nuclear programs. The dependency of the United Nations of china limiting economic and energy assistance to North Korea is not likely to take place because it will destroy political diplomacy between China and North Korea, resulting in the North refusing to do business with China. Other political implications could see travel ban issued by North Korea to Chinese political leaders for their role in agreeing to impose sanctions. Therefore, it is reasonable to understand why China has been reluctant to impose strict sanctions on North Korea. Viewing it on another angle, China, Japan and other United States allies would be forced to choose political sides and this could prove devastating for allies of the United States if the threats by the North Korea are true. Further, it would mean after a nuclear attack on the United States the allies would be left vulnerable to attack by the North resulting to fall of governments. Views on the implication on the threat of nuclear war on South Korea and the United States Although there is the fear of nuclear war with South Korea and the United States, some analysts are on the view that the declaration of war on South Korea and U.S. was made with a video depicting the plan of attack complete with special effects and very bad graphics. Although this sounds comic in nature, the United States is to be recommended for exercising caution by deploying 10,000 South Korean and 3,000 American soldiers. In addition, the United States is also to be recommended because North Korea is unpredictable unlike a country like Iran that does not have nuclear technology capabilities. Furthermore, the U.S. ground missile interceptors as a precaution to a preemptive nuclear strike from North Korea are commendable because they are capable of intercepting missiles. The sanctions imposed by the international community and the United Nations council would only see the people of North Korea suffer from famine, travel ban and trade restrictions with other countries like China. This could cause famine in the entire North Korea country. The best way to handle Kim is to conduct a covert military mission that would only see the targeting of Kim and his political leaders so as to spare the people living in North Korea heartache of an all-out nuclear war. In case of a nuclear war by North Korea on South Korea and America, the implications would be devastating in a colossal way. As discussed, there would be diseases as a result of exposure to nuclear radiation causing diseases like cancer, loss of life, destruction of homes and retaliation. On the matter of using the B-2 stealth bombers in the event of a preemptive strike by North Korea the United States should be applauded because this will not only deter North Korea from launching nuclear rockets or missile to the United States and South Korea, it will send a message that any country willing to threaten another country with nuclear war would face the consequence of having a nuclear war in its country. Politically, there is a view that the United Nations would ensure sanctions in resolution of Chapter 7 will prevent political leaders from traveling outside the country and having their assets frozen. This will eventually result in political leaders surrounding Kim’s protesting for the immediate disbarment of nuclear programs and also cause political instability in the country resulting in the overthrowing of Kim’s government. Economically, it would be impossible for the United Nations to persuade China to impose strict sanctions on North Korea. This is because the dependency of the United Nations on china limiting economic and energy assistance to North Korea will not be likely because it will destroy political diplomacy between China and North Korea, resulting in the North refusing doing business with China. The views of this imply that China would eventually get into economic crisis because part of its economy depends on North Korea. Conclusion In this discussion of North Korea internal affairs and the response of South Korea and the United States there have been many issues that have come to light and need further investigation. From the discussion, there seems to be a consensus that North Korea is actually considering launching a preemptive nuclear strike on United States and its allies. This justifies the readiness of South Korea and the U.S. in taking precaution measures by deploying military and missile interceptors in case of a nuclear war. It seems disarmament of the nuclear program by North Korea seems highly unlikely and direct military intervention or action is not a suitable choice because of the possibility of North Korea’s nuclear capability could threaten the total annihilation of the entire South Korea. Therefore, sanctions from the United Nations Security Council and the United States allies seem to be the way to end the nuclear program in North Korea. This has been seen when Iran was imposed with sanctions including trade by the United Nations Security Council resulting in massive inflation and deterioration of the economy and the Iran currency. To conclude, the United States, South Korea and its allies are justified in threatening North Korea with B-2 bombers that they will launch nuclear strikes in case North Korea launches nuclear attacks on the United States and its allies. However, war between North Korea and the United States with its allies may lead to World War III and the destruction of the world making it inhabitable because of radiation from nuclear materials. The best possible way to prevent war is for the United Nations to force the establishment of dialogue between the aggrieved parties in order to resolve any lingering issues. Works Cited BBC. "North Korea country profile - Overview." BBC News. N.P., 2 Apr. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. BBC. "North Korea threats: US to move missile defences to Guam." BBC News. N.P., 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. Charbonneau, Louis. "Analysis: New sanctions on North Korea may be tougher, but impact in doubt." Reuters. N.P., 8 Mar. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. Cha, V. & Kim, E. "RealClearWorld - Implications of North Korea's Third Nuclear Test."RealClearWorld: World News, Analysis & Commentary. N.P., 12 Feb. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. Kazianis, Harry. "How to Deter North Korea: Personal Deterrence?" Flashpoints. 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