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Analysis of North Korea’s Nuclear Threat Level and Conventional Nuclear Integration Deterrence Strategy

  • The Journal of Northeast Asia Research
  • Abbr : NEA
  • 2025, 40(1), pp.111~145
  • DOI : 10.18013/jnar.2025.40.1.004
  • Publisher : The Institute for Northeast Asia Research
  • Research Area : Social Science > Political Science > International Politics > International Relations / Cooperation
  • Received : December 30, 2024
  • Accepted : February 27, 2025
  • Published : February 28, 2025

남완수 1 Dae-yeob Yoon 1

1대전대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

As North Korea’s nuclear threat has advanced, discussion on South Korea’s nuclear strategy have also begun in earnest. While the extended deterrence strategy of the Korea-U.S. alliance is being strengthened, there is even an independent theory of nuclear armament with nuclear potential. However, despite the diversified nuclear strategy discussion, the overall assessment of North Korea’s nuclear threat level is insufficient. This paper aims to analyze the actual level of North Korean nuclear threat and suggest conventional nuclear integration(CNI) deterrence measures suitable for the level of threat. To this end, the level of threat is analyzed by evaluating the offensive capabilities and offensive intentions of North Korea’s nuclear weapons based on Walt’s theory of threat balance and the nuclear posture of Narang’s regional powers. The North Korean nuclear threat level is classified into nine types, and extended deterrence measures by nuclear and deterrence measures by triaxial systems are integrated and presented for each threat level. It presents complementary points for measures to curb the current North Korean nuclear threat level and suggests development measures for conventional nuclear integration between South Korea and the U.S.

Citation status

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