Link To Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-imposes-sanctions-north-koreans-russian-after-missile-tests-2022-01-12/
Following a series of six North Korean missile launches (since september), the Biden administration has imposed sanctions on North Korea (the launches violated UN security resolutions) . The U.S. claims these sanctions are aimed at preventing the growth of North Korea’s nuclear program and the advancement of weapons technologies. However the Biden administration has thus far, unsuccessfully engage Pyongyang in giving up its nuclear bombs and missiles. North Korea’s latest launches also give evidence that more illegal program advancement is taking place and have connections with North Koreans, a Russian, and a Russian firm.
This article is important because it highlights the close watch Washington needs to keep on the Kim regime as they have no interest in following suit to the UN security restrictions or Washington’s sanctions. It is important the U.S. keeps North Korea in check to ensure their nuclear power does not overpower the United States, because the last thing the U.S. wants is the knowledge that they could possible be threatened by North Korea. In my opinion I think South Korea’s idea of Washington increasing its engagement with North Korea is a smart tactic as North Korea is backed by Russia and China (two strong technologically advanced countries with China arguably being comparable to the U.S.). However these sanctions will continue for the U.S. and North Korea’s relationship to be on a very rocky ship of distrust.
This article connects to the idea that the U.S. is taking more of a liberal hegemony approach to North Korea, as we discussed in class, because the U.S. aims to influence North Korea to model more western ideals as well as the idea that by being involved with the head of the issue, then peace may be achieved. Also the U.S. wishes to remain the most powerful hegemon so that is another important reason for the U.S. staying up to date on North Korea’s nuclear advancements