North Korea and US Foreign Policy

This assignment explores the complex relationship between North Korea and the United States, focusing on their differing perspectives on nuclear weapons. Drawing upon theories of realism and liberalism, the paper analyzes North Korea's motivations for developing its nuclear program as a means of self-preservation and achieving parity with powerful nations like the US. It also examines the US viewpoint on North Korea's nuclear ambitions as a threat to regional and global security. The assignment emphasizes the international implications of this conflict and the ongoing efforts to prevent escalation through diplomatic channels.

Running head: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1
North Korea
Name
Institution

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2
The contentious issue surrounding North Korea and America is one that is brought up as
a result of liberalism and realism. As it stands, there are countries which are considered powerful
than others. For instance, based on the theory of realism, The United States of America is
considered a superpower. Being a superpower, United States of America plays a significant role
in shaping the way the world is governed. America plays the role a watchdog over most
countries especially in the developed world. Other countries in this position include Russia and
China. Such countries make critical decisions that change the history of the world.
In the recent past, North Korea has been advancing their weapons program for the
purpose of protecting itself from its enemies. This status has not been welcomed by the United
States because it threatens the survival of countries in war with North Korea such South Korea.
The survival of North Korea as a country can only be guaranteed by developing their weapon
program. This preference is as a result of preference that is brought about by the fact that
America has developed nuclear weapons which are considered as weapons of mass destruction.
These weapons have the capability of removing a country like North Korea from the face of the
world.
Further, North Korea is in fear of being treated like countries such as Libya and Iraq
where their leaders were toppled by the United States government. The spirit and motivation of
North Korea to develop its own nuclear pegged on liberalism theory which advocates for
freedoms of liberty. According to the North Korea, there has to be some form of cooperation
where they can also be armed just like America and countries such as Russia. In the recent past,
Iran was allowed to develop their nuclear plant after extensive talks that were criticized by world
leaders like Israel. Israeli present Benjamin Netanyahu was very categorical that it was a bad
idea to allow Iran to develop nuclear capabilities since it is an ally of their enemy.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 3
For this reason, North Korea feels that it must ensure that it accomplishes its long-term
objective of having weapons of mass destruction so that they can be able to guarantee the safety
of their people. On the other hand, the United States sees this as a threat not only to their allies
but also the world. If North Korea is not going to be governed in their quest to develop nuclear
weapons, then there is no way to control them in case of war. This scenario could bring
devastating catastrophe to the world because in the event of a war countries will take sides based
on interests which are pegged on the scarcity of resources. Many countries in the world strive to
have a common ground for purposes of achieving equality. North Korea is a dictatorial regime
that does not foster the spirit of equality. Lack of cooperation from North Korea puts the whole
world at a risk of imminent war that should be addressed. Various talks are undergoing for
purposes of forging a way forward to avoid a catastrophe in the future.