September 11, 2016
Preventing Nuclear War with North Korea
Few anticipated that 2016 would see such unprecedented missile and nuclear testing in North Korea, most recently its fifth and largest ever test, reportedly coming in at 10 kilotons. But none of this should have come as a surprise. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s approach to developing its strategic forces is markedly different—more aggressive—than it was under his father or grandfather. The striking change puts the Korean Peninsula on a path to nuclear war unless the U.S.-South Korean alliance can adapt to the constraints of deterrence and defense against a second-tier nuclear-armed adversary.
To read the full article, visit the Foreign Affairs website.
More from CNAS
-
North Korea Launches Hypersonic Missiles in Show of Force as President Lee Visits China
Video
North Korea is once again raising the stakes. The regime claims it has successfully test-fired a new hypersonic missile — with Kim Jong-un personally overseeing the launch. Th...
By Dr. Go Myong-Hyun
-
Trump’s Audacious Success
Commentary
This article was originally published in The Atlantic. Nicolás Maduro and his wife awoke yesterday in a safe house on a heavily fortified military base in the center of Caraca...
By Richard Fontaine
-
North Korea and Russia’s Deepening Axis
Video
2025 was the year North Korea turned a corner, not just through provocations, but by actively repositioning itself in the global power game. Its military partnership with Russ...
By Dr. Go Myong-Hyun
-
CNAS Insights | Eight Things to Watch for in 2026
Commentary
Buckle up for a pivotal geopolitical year. In 2026, the world will struggle to make sense of U.S. actions and intentions, and Washington will remain uncertain about its own pl...
By Richard Fontaine
