pacific forum History of Pacific Forum

PacNet #20R – Response to PacNet #20 “Reading Into South Korea’s Nuclear Debate”

The four separate arguments of PacNet #20 ("Reading Into South Korea’s Nuclear Debate") outlined by Toby Dalton and Yoon Ho Jin require careful review. The South Korean discussion of nuclear options seems to underestimate the importance of a balanced effort that explores nonmilitary opportunities. Exploring nuclear options against North Korea’s nuclear threats likely means that South Korea would face more uncertainties rather than gain new strategic opportunities.