US Foreign Policy: North Korea and Nuclear Weapons

October 9 2006, North Korea demonstrated their first use of nuclear weapons, leaving the US government with a question to face: how to approach North Korea without acknowledging their government as a legitimate international power. In regards to the threat of nuclear weapons and uncertain relations between the US and North Korea is it difficult to feel secure in the foreign policy of the current US administration and the

An independent blog written by Gregory Elich, goes into depth and clear explanation of the background in the dispute, misunderstanding and currently crumbling relationship between the US and North Korea. He notes that, “North Korea's nuclear test and UN sanctions have brought relations between the U.S. and North Korea to their lowest point since President Bush took office.”

From a more uncertain and destructive view, MotherJones blog reflects on the aggressive militaristic approach that the United States could potentially adopt and enforce. These strategic actions and theories have the potential to be threatening decisions to both the international community as well as the United States.

“The Onion,” satirical and sarcastic report and interpretation of political events notes that: "This is a grand day for the Democratic Peoples Republic Of Korea, whose citizens have sacrificed their wages, their food, and their lives so that our great nation could test a nuclear weapon thousands of feet beneath our own soil," read an excerpt from the statement. "Now the rest of the world must stand up and take notice that the DPRK, too, is capable of decimating years of its wealth at any given moment."

Although this excerpt is focusing on the fact that North Korea has dedicated all of their financial resources to nuclear weapons and testing at the cost of their nation, economy and the well-being of their people, it is alluding to the fact that in the process of creating and testing nuclear weapons, not only has North Korea managed to destroy itslf, but now has the power to destroy another nation effortlessly.

The threat of nuclear weapons from North Korea is a serious issue for the United States government. Is it difficult to know is peace and public debate will reconcile relations with North Korea in order to assure security for both the US and North Korea or if deterrence and harsh sanctions will be more effective.