Clash of Strategies: Pax Americana and the Nuclear Ambitions of North Korea

摘要

America currently finds itself in a precarious position as it grapples with developing the right strategy for dealing with the current crisis in North Korea. For nearly 50 years the US has negotiated with North Korea in an effort to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula nudge North Korea into the fold of democracy and one day achieve Korean unity. The net result of a half- century's worth of US appeasement reveals that North Korea is in better shape now than it was at the end of the Korean War. North Korea has progressed from being a regional menace to a genuine nuclear weapons power that may threaten the security of the US homeland. How is it possible for one of the world's greatest powers to be on the 'horns of a dilemma,' strategically, by an economically failed rogue state. What actions should the US take to protect its interests and preserve peace. This paper will discuss key issues that serve as stumbling blocks to long term peace and stability in Korea and recommend a strategic course of action to achieve US goals.