Economic Sanctions and Nuclear Proliferation: A study of North Korea, 2006-2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17605/cajssh.v5i3.1104Keywords:
economic sanction, deterrence, nuclear proliferationAbstract
The issue of economic sanctions and nuclear proliferation, particularly in the context of North Korea from 2006 to 2023, presents a critical area of international relations that demands in-depth analysis. During this period, North Korea significantly expanded its nuclear capabilities despite facing stringent international sanctions intended to curb its nuclear ambitions. This persistence raises questions about the efficacy of sanctions as a tool to deter nuclear proliferation. The international community, led by powers such as the United States and the United Nations, has repeatedly leveraged economic sanctions with the aim of halting North Korea’s nuclear developments. Yet, the effectiveness of these sanctions has been inconsistent, with North Korea not only maintaining but enhancing its nuclear arsenal. This situation challenges the traditional paradigms of sanctions and compels a re-evaluation of their role in international diplomacy and security. The interplay between economic sanctions and nuclear proliferation in North Korea thus exemplifies a complex problem where geopolitical strategies, national security, and international law intersect, necessitating a comprehensive study to understand the dynamics at play. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of economic sanctions on nuclear proliferation in North Korea over the period from 2006 to 2023. Anchored on deterrence theory, this study adopts a qualitative research design to explore how economic sanctions influence nuclear proliferation dynamics. The methodology includes a content analysis of international treaties, UN Security Council resolutions, and diplomatic communications, alongside scholarly articles and expert analyses, to gauge the effectiveness and implications of sanctions. The study finds that while sanctions have imposed economic constraints on North Korea, they have not successfully deterred its nuclear advancements. This suggests a disconnect between sanction imposition and nuclear policy effectiveness, indicating the need for re-evaluated strategies in sanction applications. It is recommended that future sanctions be coupled with diplomatic initiatives aimed at negotiation and engagement to enhance their effectiveness.
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