CRAFTING A NEW DETERRENCE STRATEGY FOR SOUTH KOREA TO COUNTER NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA
Authors
Kim, Yekyung
Subjects
DPRK nuclear threat
DPRK missile threat
extended deterrence
ROK deterrence strategy
ROK space program
ROK cyber-electromagnetic program
integrated deterrence
ITAR
LEO early-warning satellite constellation
trilateral cooperation
persistent engagement
defending forward
left-of-launch
DPRK missile threat
extended deterrence
ROK deterrence strategy
ROK space program
ROK cyber-electromagnetic program
integrated deterrence
ITAR
LEO early-warning satellite constellation
trilateral cooperation
persistent engagement
defending forward
left-of-launch
Advisors
Moltz, James C.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Following the Korean War, U.S. tactical nuclear weapons played a critical role in deterring North Korean aggression against South Korea. The presence of these weapons also assuaged South Korea’s ambitions for a reunification war and a domestic nuclear weapons program. But, in 1991, the United States withdrew its tactical nuclear weapons, judging that the Cold War had ended and that improved conventional weapons could replace them as a deterrent, especially if North Korea denuclearized. Instead, the Kim Jong Un regime has rapidly expanded North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, simultaneously threatening the national security of South Korea and the United States. As a result, South Korean anxieties about U.S. extended deterrence are deepening. Many feel that South Korea should have an independent nuclear capability to counter North Korea. However, given South Korea’s membership in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, nuclear options for South Korea face several challenges. Therefore, this thesis proposes that strengthening South Korea's space and cyber-electromagnetic programs is the most practical and effective means to enhance deterrence against North Korea, while also integrating South Korea's deterrent components and linking them more closely with the forces of the United States and Japan.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
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