Discouraging ROK Development of Nuclear Weapons

Abstract

Ironically, the greatest likelihood for nuclear proliferation in the coming years may come from U.S. allies. The development of nuclear weapons by South Korea (ROK) could result in a regional nuclear arms race and global failure of the Nonproliferation Treaty. As North Korean development of nuclear weapons continues irrespective of the U.S. security umbrella, fewer external options remain to ensure ROK security. To assist both the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the larger U.S. national security community, the project will develop a framework for discouraging ROK development of its own nuclear weapons by meeting ROK security needs. RAND_s framework will seek to explain how ROK possession of nuclear weapons will undermine national security, jeopardize the U.S.-ROK alliance, and damage international security.