Executive Summary
North Korea is a sovereign country that should be respected by any other nation in the world. However, America is also a major part of the daily running of the world’s policies. Nuclear proliferation is part of an issue that is bound by treaties and therefore, is a subject for discussion. America is a superpower and in most of these issues, she is involved. As your country is still developing, most of the policies will need to be critically looked at to hasten development. During President’s George Bush regime all was not well as most of these issues nearly led to war, which for sure between you two, winning is impossible. That regime has changed and diplomacy is something that is being considered by Obama the current President of America.
The Democratic People Republic of Korea should consider various issues relating to America and your quest to have nuclear proliferation. President Obama is not strict and is trying to have very good international policies. As a country willing to develop, you should take that advantage and acquire all the necessities for your people from the other countries. This will for sure lead to the development of other sectors of the republic and nuclear arming will develop later without that big blow to the republic’s economy. My recommendations are that the above changes of actions be taken to achieve the necessary development and, sustain the population in this country.
Context and importance of the problem
There is certainly an issue here that we as the people of Korea need to critically look at and have resolved. This issue is for us as North Koreans, being condemned by the United Nations Security Council on our launch of the satellite and nuclear proliferation. As this condemnation was not abiding by our country’s sovereignty it was really intolerable. This interference in our country’s policies was endangering our governing issues. Having nuclear weapons and testing their ability does not
mean that we are going to fight every country n the world. The United States has this issue that it must control anything, anyone does and we, as republic is in contrast with that opinion. We do uphold the sense of respect for all. We as a country have the resources to have these weapons and, we should be allowed to do it so that we grow like other nations. Walking out of the Six-Party talk was a decision that the country took after the Security Council headed by the United States, decided to attack us verbally (Jonathan 153).
Our relations with America definitely could not be the same, as we try to establish our feet on the ground. America is doing anything possible to frustrate our mission to have these weapons in our custody. We, as the Democratic People Republic of Korea has decided to continue with our objectives. This problem between these two countries has contributed to various repercussions. This is no disrespect to the Americans although we have various questions that we could also ask. They are against other countries to have weapons but, they have these weapons, which beat any logic of proper conduct. North Korea decided to try and make its own efforts to have this proliferation as it will improve our country’s security. The presence of uranium, plutonium and titanium is a big boost to our country’s resources (Jonathan 154).
The problem is the relationship between our country and America is basically because of our non-commitment to their wishes. Pyongyang’s external relationship with some countries has led to a bigger problem amongst us and other nations. Japan was part of the Six-Party talks and our relationship had deteriorated due to claimed abduction of their citizens. Seoul was also one of the nations our relationship was bad, due to the government of Lee Myung-bak. Economic ties with these various nations had deteriorated and the talks could not have succeeded because, they wanted us to fail in our endeavors to use our resources effectively. Many think we are arming to fight them and with the nuclear weapons, threaten other countries to our advantage. The launch of the April 2009 missile, has led to a lot of criticism by various parties including the United Nations. This interference of our state is a bad blood between us and America.
We, as a republic are just asking for consideration that we think is necessary and our right to our sovereignty. The Bush administration was not willing to negotiate with us on how to go about this process. They only had these constant threats to us and even were willing to launch an attack on us and that was unacceptable. They attacked Iraq and therefore, if they think we are a country that cannot implement its wishes, then they are very wrong. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s search for nuclear energy in many countries is also not necessary in our country. The non-proliferation treaty is also a treaty made in favor of some countries and, should be checked and corrected to suit everybody in the entire world (Jonathan 160).
The North Korean policy of nuclear weapons has a lot of implications in our own mode of setup. As we know, North Korea must rely on the international support for development and for its people to survive properly. America is a superpower and is very influential in all aspects of world policies therefore; we have to consider our policies towards America. President Obama is a diplomat and will always listen to us and bilateral talks with him will uphold that sense of dignity in us. North Korea has a bad economy and society. Many citizens here depend on marketization from below that is barter trade, private economic exchange and some related activities unhandled by the state. Even with the emphasis on industrial development and other economic activities, reaching a powerful state by 2012 will remain a dream without the inclusion of the other foreign countries. Our nuclear proliferation is also keeping our neighbors in fear and thus, regional trade is an issue.
China is an emerging superpower, and North Korea as a neighbor should consider more trading with it. Barrack Obama is also considering a lot of options in trade with Asia and we should not be left out. Recently, he visited Asia at an APEC meeting and they discussed a lot of trade and issues of global climate changes. These are some of the things that North Korea needs by now and without the support of the Americans, we will remain backward forever. Change of policies toward international relationships is something that is inevitable if we need to develop. This policy of nuclear weapons in our midst could also lead to an attack upon our territory by more than one nation. The leniency with Obama should be an advantage to us. Money, food and other development items should be acquired from other nations to stabilize our country before we get to process the weapons.
Critique of policy option
North Korea as a country has various options to undertake and live peacefully with other nations. Some of these issues include honoring the NPT and, adhering to the policies of the United Nations Security Council. This will ensure that the affairs of North Korea are not interfered with. Development of other areas of the country will occur. This will lead to proper international relations and trade within the Asia region and will benefit the country (Victor 124).
Another option is the all-inclusive dialogue between the involved parties or bilateral talks with the United States. This will ensure that trust among the nations is back to us and many will be willing to work with North Korea. In these talks, you as the president should raise the issues you have with the United States and give justifiable reasons for your actions. Mostly, regarding the weapons you should ask for rewritten agreement as it was done with India. Then, ask America to honor your ambitions and try to show them that you abide by the rules of non-aggression even if you get the weapons.
Since you need the United States for development purposes, respect them and use President Obama to have your ambitions achieved. President Obama does not want to be involved in any war and therefore, his leniency can offer you an advantage as you can talk to him. These will ensure there are no sanctions on your country and, other systems of the government will be running accordingly. These are some of the options that are needed so that you do not fail in your ambitions and other sectors of the government. Let your country emerge as powerful nation with the help of America because, if you make America your enemy you will not succeed.
The proposed system of not respecting the treaties and arrogance towards the United Nations will cost us a lot. America is going to recommend various economic sanctions, and this will have a major impact on our economy. Other nations will be urged not to relate with us, especially from our region since, most of our neighbors are friends of the United States. Trade-in our region will be a failure and our people will live in poverty. Furthermore, capitalism is the essence in the world and those countries that have embraced it have developed, and we need to have money to have this country develop. Most of our international policies will become a failure if we do not take care.
North Korea has always been an antagonist of the United States policies since the era of Clinton after the cold war. These have always worked against us because, in terms of development America has grown, but we have continued to suffer economically. The current proposal is certainly failing because we have never moved ahead to making these weapons since we decided to go ahead with our mission. It is true we have had several missile tests but, we are very far from accomplishing our dream. Every time we are doing it, there is interference from other countries led by America. We must change for the better, and make the relationship with other countries especially the United States better for us to develop (Mazarr 78).
If President Obama is willing to listen let us, give him a chance and maybe we can strike a deal and have our relationship improve. The way this country handles the situation now, should at least change and give a chance to President Obama. He is not President Bush who could not think of anything else but war. The present United States is lenient on international policies and I hope that you as the President of this nation will consider that chance. The policies with North Korea may seem biased but, as your advisor I support you fully. Nuclear proliferation is something the country cannot run away from. In some years to come, many countries will be advanced and arming will be done in order to cope with threats like terrorism. As the President of this nation, you have considered various issues like the agreement between India and United States on the proliferation treaty. These are some of the misunderstandings you have with the United States. As your political advisor, I have shed light on these issues and their pros and cons. The policies you uphold against the United States are good but, they will make the country poorer. With these changes, you should first improve the livelihoods of the people of North Korea but, do not erode the aim of nuclear weapon proliferation. Since development of your country will highly depend on other countries’ good relationships, United States will help you achieve that. President Obama can agree on a deal that will not require full denuclearization but, simply the reduction of nuclear arming. These will help you grow as a nation economically and also be armed. China as an emerging superpower should also be considered in the country’s change of policies. If, as the President you find it difficult to work with the United States be a closer friend of China and she will help in mending the relationship with United States.
Policy recommendations
According to the issues at hand, various practical steps should be taken to save this deteriorating relationship with the United States. North Korea should make move towards a round table talk with China regarding nuclear proliferation and convince them of the threat they pose to America as an emerging superpower. This will obviously encourage China to facilitate a dialogue with the United States, and also be in full support of your country’s ambitions. North Korea should also resume the Six-Party talks and allow the other nations to listen to her views on this issue. Since the United States is the most influential state in the world, bilateral talks are also necessary in order for the two countries to agree on this issue. I am always emphasizing the leniency of President Obama as an advantage to you whereby, the country can reach an agreement on partial denuclearization (Victor 123).
International policies in this country have not augured well with the issues affecting the nation. Economically the country is not doing that well and since we are enemies of many nations we will not develop. Poor infrastructure, failed agriculture and lack of proper trade should be our priorities for now. These are the only things that will ensure the growth of our nation and also the ambition of proper utilization of the resources like uranium will come into force. The United States is seen as a failed state which is why it is interfering in our aim of having these weapons. This economic status should lead us into weighing our options against the United States. Whether a country decides to ignore this relationship, suffering will still continue in our nation.
Another step to be taken by North Korea is that of commitment to the non-proliferation treaty, although a talk with India may also make you understand the reason why their treaty was rewritten. There is this argument that, Pakistan and India have these weapons but, this country can be handled like Islamabad. These have led to hostilities among the two nations due to the testing of the missiles whenever Pakistan likes. If the continued testing of the weapons is sparking a lot of controversies, what about full possession of the nuclear weapons?. Remember there are also neighbors around North Korea who are very concerned about these weapons, and this may lead to a humanitarian crisis among our nation. If the United States decides to attack us, there are many routes to penetrate our country because countries like South Korea will assist them. Many of the North Korean citizens will die and suffer because most of our neighbors may close the borders. America may also succeed in ousting you as the President, as they did with Saddam Hussein and Osama therefore, I think these policies with the United States should be considered as a matter of urgency. This will also be for the sake of the country and its people (Jonathan 157).
President Barrack Obama is a man of different character; he is very different from George Bush. He is ready to embrace dialogue, and that is the best thing you can result in. As the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea President, you should meet him and talk about the sovereignty of your state. Furthermore, tell him that you are not arming to fight anybody but for defense reasons as they have done. President Obama will consider your views and may consider a proper approach towards your country.
United States has closed any relations especially the normal trade relations, and the manufactured goods from our country are charged very high while entering the United States market. These have impacted negatively in our market and have led to low income. United States is a country that will always be important to us economically, and with our policies of ignorance towards them we are not going to succeed. North Korea should also try and honor the Agreed Framework between them and the United States this will make the sanctions lifted.
Companies and banks are all willing to invest in North Korea if sanctions are lifted, and this can only be achieved by improving this relationship. I know many factors have led to the poor relationship but things like the Korean War should be forgotten. Kim Dae Jung’s sunshine policy is an important issue in the normalization of relations between US and North Korea. Japan also, is willing to fund North Korea and usher in a new era of regional cooperation. These are issues that North Korea should consider before deciding to deteriorate its relationship with United States.
With these considerable actions, an impact will surely be observed in North Korea. I am not suggesting North Korea be subject of America but, with proper maneuvers it can grow and reach the dream of having the weapons. Iran has tried in vain to acquire weapons, so let North Korea not take a hard-line position on this issue or else this will be a fight of two in comparable countries. The relationship with America for sure must change for the proper advancement of this country. As a person who holds many people in your hands, I know you will consider this to improve their livelihoods and for the better future of North Korea.
Works Cited
Jonathan, Pollack. “Kim Jong-il’s Clenched Fist.” Washington Quarterly 32.4 (2009): 153-173.
Mazarr, Michael. “A Case Study of Policy Making Without Direction.” Foreign affairs 86.5 (2007): 75-84.
Victor, Cha. “What Do They Really Want?: Obama’s North Korea Conundrum.” The Washington Quarterly 32.4 (2009): 119-138.