North Korean Nuclearization Enigma: Examining Security Dilemma, Leadership Response and International Politics

Abstract

This research endeavors to invigorate the establishment and development of nuclear program of North Korea in three different political dynasties since 1950s. It has been argued that the country finds to go for nuclearization as a consequence of fear dilemma. Owing to this dilemma, survival of the political regime was become a primary concern for the political leadership of the state. That is why, for acquiring security deterrence, the leaders of North Korea developed the nuclear arsenals, in three different phases. This research paper establishes a framework under three different political regimes of North Korea, in which nuclear program was steadily developed on strategic line and consequently become a self-proclaimed nuclear power in 2006 by detonating nuclear test. The agreements under different regimes for promoting uranium enrichment is also part of this paper. In addition to this, this study also finds a track where the leadership did not only face regional and international pressure but also equally establish its own policy to retreat from that pressure. By concluding the research, it has been argued that growing security competition in East Asia, provides a momentum to North Korea, to launch its domestic program.