Deterring North Korea: A Conversation with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins - United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security
Feb 22, 2024
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Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins discusses deterring North Korea and the US-ROK Alliance, focusing on North Korea's evolving nuclear capabilities and ties with Russia. The podcast also explores the interconnected threats of North Korea and Russia, the challenges of potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific, and the importance of youth engagement in addressing global challenges.
Efforts focus on strengthening extended deterrence to counter Pyongyang's escalatory actions.
Initiatives like joint military exercises and enhanced strategic asset deployments underscore resolve against DPRK threats.
Nuclear Consultative Group and Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group promote strategic communication and collaboration for extended deterrence.
Engagement by social enterprises and civil society organizations can promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Deep dives
Challenges in Deterring North Korea
North Korea's evolving nuclear, missile, and space capabilities, along with its proliferation and procurement activities, pose significant challenges for the U.S.-ROK Alliance. Efforts are focused on strengthening extended deterrence with the Republic of Korea to address Pyongyang's escalatory actions.
Joint Efforts with U.S. Allies
The U.S. is committed to defense agreements with South Korea and remains dedicated to achieving complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Initiatives like joint military exercises, consultations, and enhanced strategic asset deployments underscore the resolve to counter DPRK threats.
Enhancing Deterrence and Strategic Dialogue
The U.S. and the ROK have deepened nuclear deterrence cooperation through the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and revived the Extended Deterrence Strategy Consultation Group (EDSCG). These platforms foster strategic communication, exercises, training, and interagency collaboration to enhance extended deterrence.
Role of Social Enterprises and Civil Societies
Engagement by social enterprises and civil society organizations can promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Support for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligns with efforts to address security challenges and advance global cooperation.
Balancing Deterrence and Development Goals
Hard security measures, such as arms control, demining, and counterproliferation efforts, contribute to sustainable development goals by promoting peace and security. Initiatives focused on eliminating weapons, ensuring landmine removal, and advancing biotechnology can intersect with broader development aims.
Engagement with North Korea
North Korea's provocative rhetoric, such as threats against South Korea, underscores the need for preparedness for potential hostilities. As alliances work to address regional threats, considerations of diplomatic engagement, crisis management, and sustainable dialogue remain critical.
Collaborative Efforts for Stability
North Korea's pursuit of foreign weapons capabilities, especially from Russia, highlights areas for targeted sanctions. Understanding the limits of DPRK's indigenous production and foreign procurement aids in countering threats. Engaging with allies and international partners to address challenges is key for regional stability.
February 22, 2024 - Join us for a discussion on deterrence and North Korea with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Together in conversation with US Air Force Reserve Major Jessica Taylor and Korea Society Policy Director Jonathan Corrado, Ambassador Jenkins will discuss the US-ROK Alliance and the growing threats posed by Pyongyang's evolving nuclear, missile, and space capabilities as well as its proliferation and procurement activities, including its growing ties and trade with Russia.
