Book Description

Two excellent reports are reproduced in this book: Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy. Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - latest available report to Congress pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act from the Department of Defense (DoD). Contents: Executive Summary * Chapter One: Assessment Of The Security Situation * Key Developments In North Korean And Peninsular Security North Korean Security Perceptions * Chapter Two: Understanding North Korea's Strategy * Strategic Goals * National Strategy * Regional Objectives And Behavior * Chapter Three: The Capabilities And Modernization Goals Of North Korea's Military Forces * Overview * An Aging Force...With Emerging Capabilities * Chapter Four: Weapons Of Mass Destruction * Programs And Proliferation * North Korea's Weapons Of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programs * Proliferation * Conventional Arms And Missile Sales Nuclear Proliferation Interdicted Transfers. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) remains one of the most critical security challenges for the United States and the broader international community. In particular, North Korea's willingness to undertake provocative and destabilizing behavior, including attacks on the Republic of Korea (ROK), its continued development of nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, and its proliferation of weapons in contravention of United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) pose a serious threat to the United States, the region, and the world. Since assuming control in December 2011, Kim Jong Un has solidified his grip on power by embracing the coercive tools used by his father and grandfather. His regime has used force and the threat of force combined with inducements to quell domestic dissent and strengthen internal security; co-opt the North Korean military and elites; develop strategic military capabilities to deter external attack; and challenge the ROK and the U.S.-ROK Alliance. In April 2013, Kim announced the "byungjin" policy, which emphasizes the parallel development of the country's economy and nuclear weapons program, to reinforce his regime's domestic, diplomatic, economic, and security interests. North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy - North Korea's Nuclear Test and Withdrawal from the Six Party Talks * Bush Administration-North Korean Agreements and Failure of Implementation * Implementation Process * Verification Issue * Kim Jong-il's Stroke and Political Changes Inside North Korea * Issues Facing the Obama Administration * North Korea's Nuclear Programs * Plutonium Program * Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Program * International Assistance * Nuclear Collaboration with Iran and Syria * North Korea's Delivery Systems * State of Nuclear Weapons Development