The news of North Korea’s expanding nuclear-weapons threat has been making headlines for some time now and the United Nations has called for new economic sanctions to dissuade North Korea from further nuclear-weapons development. In this article, we will explore the history of North Korea’s nuclear-weapons program, how the country is continuing to develop and expand its nuclear capabilities, and what the international community is doing in response.
History of North Korea’s Nuclear-Weapons Program
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea, has had a long history of nuclear-weapons development. North Korea began research and development of nuclear weapons in the early 1980s, and soon began building facilities to produce nuclear material. In 1994, North Korea entered into the Agreed Framework with the US and South Korea, in which it agreed to suspend nuclear-weapons related activities and to allow inspections from the International Atomic Energy Agency in exchange for economic aid and the threat of military action.
However, North Korea never fully implemented the agreement, and in 2003 it withdrew from the Non-Proliferation Treaty, officially renouncing its obligations under the agreement. In the ensuing years, North Korea has continued to expand its nuclear-weapons program and increase its threatening rhetoric, launching nuclear and missile tests and developing both fissile material and nuclear weapons.
How North Korea Is Expanding Its Nuclear Program
Although North Korea has a long history of nuclear-weapons development, the country has taken steps in recent years to significantly expand its nuclear-weapons threat.
Enrichment of Fissile Material
North Korea has begun using centrifuges to enrich uranium and plutonium, which can be used in nuclear weapons. Additionally, satellite imagery has revealed that North Korea has resumed construction at a plutonium-production facility at the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center, which was shut down in 2008.
Development of New Technologies
North Korea has made a number of technological advancements in recent years, including the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles and improved solid-fuel missiles, which can be launched more quickly and with more accuracy than the liquid-fuel missiles the country has previously used.
Rhetoric and Military Demonstrations
North Korean officials continue to make threatening statements, including the threat of a “preventive nuclear strike” if the US does not stop “hostile” actions against the regime. The country has also conducted multiple military exercises and demonstrations, including the testing of two ICBMs, which experts believe could reach the US mainland.
International Response
The international community has responded to North Korea’s expanding nuclear threat in a number of ways.
United Nations
In response to North Korea’s continued nuclear activities, the United Nations has adopted multiple resolutions condemning North Korea’s actions and calling for new economic sanctions to encourage the regime to cease their nuclear-weapons development.
US Sanctions
The US has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions against North Korea, including the banning of all imports from the country, a prohibition of US citizens from engaging in any type of business with North Korea, and increased surveillance of North Korean banks.
China and Russia
While China and Russia have called for a diplomatic solution to the North Korea crisis, they have also reportedly been providing North Korea with diplomatic support, financial assistance, and military equipment, which experts say has enabled North Korea to expand its nuclear program.
Given North Korea’s continued nuclear-weapons development and aggressive posture, its nuclear-weapons threat presents a real and significant danger to the international community. The United Nations has responded to this threat by passing new economic sanctions, while the US and other countries have imposed additional unilateral sanctions. Despite this, it is clear that North Korea continues to expand its nuclear-weapons program and further action will need to be taken in order to address this growing threat.
