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AFSC - North Korea

US Policy Toward North Korea: An AFSC Perspective

October 2006

We are deeply concerned about the recent nuclear test by the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea (DPRK), and the potential for escalating tensions in Northeast Asia. We oppose the development and possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea, or indeed by any nation. Our experience over the last fifty years of working with both North and South Korea strengthens our conviction that only diplomacy offers a road to peace in Northeast Asia.

Given the extreme danger of the current situation, we urge that the United States take note of the following realities:

• There is no "military option." The military capacity of the DPRK and the lack of regional support for a policy of isolation and economic sanctions render negotiations the only feasible US policy option. Any war would be catastrophic given the advanced levels of US, ROK, and DPRK weaponry.
• North Korea most likely does not yet have an operational nuclear weapon. Despite the recent nuclear test, most experts agree that North Korea probably does not yet have deliverable nuclear weapons. Given the recent nuclear and missile tests, the window to halt the introduction of nuclear weapons to the Korean peninsula is rapidly closing.
• Diplomacy and trade, not military threats, provide the best hope for peace on the Korean peninsula.  Diplomatic progress will require compromises on all sides. North Korea must return to the negotiating table and declare its willingness to freeze its nuclear weapons program, the U.S. should offer security guarantees, and the nations of the region should cooperate to promote economic, technical and cultural cooperation with North Korea.
• American preeminence provides leeway for concessions. As the world's greatest power supported by staunch allies, the US can afford to take the first step and offer meaningful concessions in order to re-start diplomacy and achieve its policy objectives.

• The Korean peninsula must remain free of nuclear weapons. The US and its allies must immediately pursue diplomatic measures to convince the DPRK to halt its pursuit of a nuclear weapon capacity.   We cannot fall back to a reliance on missile defense systems, the deployment of which would inflame regional tensions and fuel a new arms race. Instead robust multilateral non-proliferation regimes provide the only means for security to the US and its allies.
• Respect the security concerns of the DPRK. The overwhelming US and ROK forces on the peninsula, combined with US nuclear might, represent an ever-present threat to the DPRK leadership. If this threat is not ameliorated through an ongoing process of diplomatic engagement, the DPRK will continue its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
• Respect the sovereignty of the DPRK. Unrealistic US policy premised upon an impending "collapse" precludes meaningful negotiations between sovereign equals. We must deal with the DPRK as it is, not as we might wish it to be.

• Security assurances. Only a bilateral, negotiated non-aggression pact will reduce DPRK anxiety about US military intentions.
• Progress toward diplomatic recognition. Respect for the DPRK as a legitimate and viable government is essential for bringing it into the international community as a responsible member.
• Economic assistance. Energy supports, emergency food assistance, and international development aid are morally imperative, politically practical and economically efficient. They will encourage internal reform policies while strengthening peaceful sources of income and legitimacy.

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