Time to Balance Deterrence, Offense, and Defense? Rethinking South Korea's Strategy against the North Korean Nuclear Threat

Abstract

South Korea, the United States, and the international community should recognize that the diplomatic approach, including the Six-Party Talks, has not been effective in either delaying or rolling back North Korea's nuclear ambitions. North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and is believed to have several nuclear bombs, deliverable by either missiles or aircraft. South Korea, the primary target of North Korean nuclear development and strategy, should extend its deterrent, offensive, and defensive capabilities, which are three general types of preparedness for ordinary nations. Seoul should specifically strengthen its capabilities to retaliate against the North Korean leadership. It should also develop a plan to neutralize North Korean nuclear weapons in case of either an imminent or actual North Korean nuclear offense. It is about time for South Korea to build missile defense in order to strike and destroy the North Korean nuclear missiles in the air. Seoul thus needs to acquire PAC-3 missile defense systems before it discusses its comprehensive missile defense options.