DRUMMING OF NUCLEAR ARMAGEDDON: LOOMING NUCLEAR STANDOFF ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Theoretical Overview of the Problem
3 Reassessing Nuclear Threat from North Korea
4. The Role of Global and Regional Powers: An Analysis of Stakeholders’
Objectives
5. Avoiding a Full-scale Nuclear War
6. Conclusion

DRUMMING OF NUCLEAR ARMAGEDDON: LOOMING NUCLEAR STANDOFF ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA

Author: Nazmul Arifeen, A. S. M. Tarek Hasan Semul

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2016v37n4a1

ABSTRACT

After Pyongyang’s test of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capable of hitting the mainland United States (US), the possibility of an Armageddon or the ‘end of the world’ seems more realistic than ever. In particular, North Korea’s threat to take out the US military base in Guam has altered the strategic equations. Given the recent escalation of tension between North Korea and global powers, this paper provides an insight into the triggers and the credibility of North Korean nuclear threats with a view to analysing way out for de-escalation. By exploring the triggering factors behind the standoff and their ramifications, it contends that policy dichotomy of great powers, unrestrained rhetoric from the key players and ill-suited bargaining tactics may lead to miscalculations by adversaries, potentially aggravating the crisis. Based on these arguments, the paper ends with an exposition of possible options to de-escalate the situation.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Outline