DOCSLIB.ORG

COUNTERING NUCLEAR COMMODITY SMUGGLING: a System of Systems

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
COUNTERING NUCLEAR COMMODITY SMUGGLING: a System of Systems CNS OCCASIONAL PAPER NO. 20 COUNTERING NUCLEAR COMMODITY SMUGGLING: A System of Systems Leonard S. Spector and Egle Murauskaite JAMES MARTIN CENTER FOR NONPROLIFERATION STUDIES Countering Nuclear Commodity Smuggling: A System of Systems By Leonard S. Spector and Egle Murauskaite March 2014 Washington, DC James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies Monterey Institute of International Studies CNS Washington, DC, Office 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1225 Tel: 202-842-3100 Fax: 202-842-0556 http://nonproliferation.org ISBN 978-0-9892361-7-1 © The President and Trustees of Middlebury College, March 2014 Cover image: gettyimages.com “Gears” by Marilyn Nieves / Vetta / Getty Images Table of Contents Acknowledgments and Disclaimers ........................................................................................... i! List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................ ii! List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. iv! About the Authors ....................................................................................................................... v! EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... vii! Overview - Purpose and Scope of Study ............................................................................ vii! System 1: Measures against Originating Parties ............................................................. ix! System 2: Export Licensing and Control Lists .................................................................. x! System 3: Customs Controls and Inspections ................................................................. xi! System 4: Supplier State Private Sector Internal Compliance Programs ................... xii! System 5: Financial Measures .......................................................................................... xiii! System 6: Enforcement Measures .................................................................................... xv! System 7: International Outreach and Capacity Building ........................................... xvi! System 8: Transportation and Interdictions ................................................................ xviii! Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................................. xix! CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ............................................................... 1! Study Purpose and Scope ........................................................................................................ 1! Organizing Principles: Elements of Transactions; Modes of Intervention; National, Multi-State, and International Measures ............................................................................... 5! Elements of Nuclear Commodity Smuggling Transactions ........................................... 5! Modes of Counterproliferation Intervention .................................................................... 7! International, Multi-State, and National Measures ........................................................ 10! Elements of Transactions; Modes of Intervention; and National, Multi-State, and International Measures: Overlapping, Intertwined, and Simultaneous ......................... 19! CHAPTER 2: CURRENT PATTERNS AND TRENDS IN NUCLEAR COMMODITY SMUGGLING .............................................................................................................................. 21! The Scale of Illicit Nuclear Procurement Efforts ................................................................ 21! Expanding Programs .......................................................................................................... 21! Evidence of Procurement Efforts ...................................................................................... 23! Commodities Being Sought ................................................................................................... 25! UN Security Council Resolutions Sanctioning North Korea ........................................ 26! June 2013 Reports of Panels of Experts Supporting Security Council Iran and North Korea Sanctions Resolutions .............................................................................................. 26! Action by the Nuclear Suppliers Group .......................................................................... 29! U.S. and Other National Enforcement Actions ............................................................... 29! Target Countries and Transshipment Points ...................................................................... 30! Procurement Stratagems ........................................................................................................ 31! CHAPTER 3: MAPPING THE SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS ......................................................... 35! Background: Overarching Issues .......................................................................................... 35! System 1: Measures against Originating Parties ................................................................ 43! Basic Framework ................................................................................................................. 43! UN Security Council Resolutions ..................................................................................... 44! Multi-state EU Measures .................................................................................................... 48! Unilateral U.S. Measures .................................................................................................... 54! Recent Developments ......................................................................................................... 62! Gaps and Challenges .......................................................................................................... 64! System 2: Export Licensing and Control Lists .................................................................... 65! Basic Framework ................................................................................................................. 65! International Obligations ................................................................................................... 69! Nuclear Suppliers Group Control Lists ........................................................................... 70! Recent Developments ......................................................................................................... 71! Gaps and Challenges .......................................................................................................... 74! Post-Export Inspections and Verification ............................................................................ 75! Recent Developments ......................................................................................................... 78! Gaps and Challenges .......................................................................................................... 79! System 3: Customs Controls and Inspections ..................................................................... 81! Basic Framework ................................................................................................................. 81! International Measures ....................................................................................................... 83! Multi-State Measures .......................................................................................................... 88! U.S. Measures ...................................................................................................................... 90! Recent Developments ......................................................................................................... 92! Gaps and Challenges .......................................................................................................... 93! System 4: Supplier-State Private Sector Internal Compliance Programs ........................ 95! Basic Framework ................................................................................................................. 95! International and Multi-State Measures .......................................................................... 99! National Enforcement Activities ..................................................................................... 101! Interconnectedness with Other Systems ........................................................................ 102! Recent Developments ....................................................................................................... 103! Gaps and Challenges ........................................................................................................ 106! System 5: Financial Measures .............................................................................................. 109! Basic Framework ............................................................................................................... 109! International Measures ..................................................................................................... 112! Multi-State Measures ........................................................................................................ 115! U.S. Measures ...................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • SDN Changes 2014
    OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL CHANGES TO THE Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List SINCE JANUARY 1, 2014 This publication of Treasury's Office of Foreign AL TOKHI, Qari Saifullah (a.k.a. SAHAB, Qari; IN TUNISIA; a.k.a. ANSAR AL-SHARIA IN Assets Control ("OFAC") is designed as a a.k.a. SAIFULLAH, Qari), Quetta, Pakistan; DOB TUNISIA; a.k.a. ANSAR AL-SHARI'AH; a.k.a. reference tool providing actual notice of actions by 1964; alt. DOB 1963 to 1965; POB Daraz ANSAR AL-SHARI'AH IN TUNISIA; a.k.a. OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Jaldak, Qalat District, Zabul Province, "SUPPORTERS OF ISLAMIC LAW"), Tunisia Nationals and other entities whose property is Afghanistan; citizen Afghanistan (individual) [FTO] [SDGT]. blocked, to assist the public in complying with the [SDGT]. AL-RAYA ESTABLISHMENT FOR MEDIA various sanctions programs administered by SAHAB, Qari (a.k.a. AL TOKHI, Qari Saifullah; PRODUCTION (a.k.a. ANSAR AL-SHARIA; OFAC. The latest changes may appear here prior a.k.a. SAIFULLAH, Qari), Quetta, Pakistan; DOB a.k.a. ANSAR AL-SHARI'A BRIGADE; a.k.a. to their publication in the Federal Register, and it 1964; alt. DOB 1963 to 1965; POB Daraz ANSAR AL-SHARI'A IN BENGHAZI; a.k.a. is intended that users rely on changes indicated in Jaldak, Qalat District, Zabul Province, ANSAR AL-SHARIA IN LIBYA; a.k.a. ANSAR this document that post-date the most recent Afghanistan; citizen Afghanistan (individual) AL-SHARIAH; a.k.a. ANSAR AL-SHARIAH Federal Register publication with respect to a [SDGT].
    [Show full text]
  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea INDIVIDUALS
    CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK Last Updated:21/01/2021 Status: Asset Freeze Targets REGIME: Democratic People's Republic of Korea INDIVIDUALS 1. Name 6: AN 1: JONG 2: HYUK 3: n/a 4: n/a 5: n/a. Title: Diplomat DOB: 14/03/1970. a.k.a: AN, Jong, Hyok Nationality: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Passport Details: 563410155 Address: Egypt.Position: Diplomat DPRK Embassy Egypt Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref):DPR0001 Date designated on UK Sanctions List: 31/12/2020 (Further Identifiying Information):Associations with Green Pine Corporation and DPRK Embassy Egypt (UK Statement of Reasons):Representative of Saeng Pil Trading Corporation, an alias of Green Pine Associated Corporation, and DPRK diplomat in Egypt.Green Pine has been designated by the UN for activities including breach of the UN arms embargo.An Jong Hyuk was authorised to conduct all types of business on behalf of Saeng Pil, including signing and implementing contracts and banking business.The company specialises in the construction of naval vessels and the design, fabrication and installation of electronic communication and marine navigation equipment. (Gender):Male Listed on: 22/01/2018 Last Updated: 31/12/2020 Group ID: 13590. 2. Name 6: BONG 1: PAEK 2: SE 3: n/a 4: n/a 5: n/a. DOB: 21/03/1938. Nationality: Democratic People's Republic of Korea Position: Former Chairman of the Second Economic Committee,Former member of the National Defense Commission,Former Vice Director of Munitions Industry Department (MID) Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref):DPR0251 (UN Ref): KPi.048 (Further Identifiying Information):Paek Se Bong is a former Chairman of the Second Economic Committee, a former member of the National Defense Commission, and a former Vice Director of Munitions Industry Department (MID) Listed on: 05/06/2017 Last Updated: 31/12/2020 Group ID: 13478.
    [Show full text]
  • A Closer Look at Cuba and Its Recent History of Proliferation Hearing Committee on Foreign Affairs House of Representatives
    A CLOSER LOOK AT CUBA AND ITS RECENT HISTORY OF PROLIFERATION HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 Serial No. 113–79 Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs ( Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.foreignaffairs.house.gov/ or http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/ U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 82–946PDF WASHINGTON : 2013 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800 Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001 VerDate 0ct 09 2002 17:13 Nov 21, 2013 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 5011 Sfmt 5011 F:\WORK\_WH\092613\82946 HFA PsN: SHIRL COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS EDWARD R. ROYCE, California, Chairman CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American DANA ROHRABACHER, California Samoa STEVE CHABOT, Ohio BRAD SHERMAN, California JOE WILSON, South Carolina GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York MICHAEL T. MCCAUL, Texas ALBIO SIRES, New Jersey TED POE, Texas GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia MATT SALMON, Arizona THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida TOM MARINO, Pennsylvania BRIAN HIGGINS, New York JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina KAREN BASS, California ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts MO BROOKS, Alabama DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island TOM COTTON, Arkansas ALAN GRAYSON, Florida PAUL COOK, California JUAN VARGAS, California GEORGE HOLDING, North Carolina BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER, Illinois RANDY K.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 DEPARTMENT of the TREASURY Foreign Assets Control Office Actions Taken Pursuant to Executive Order 13551 AGENCY
    This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 08/12/2014 and available online at [4810-AL] http://federalregister.gov/a/2014-19012, and on FDsys.gov DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Foreign Assets Control Office Actions Taken Pursuant to Executive Order 13551 AGENCY: Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. ------------------- SUMMARY: The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) is publishing the names of two entities whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13551 of August 30, 2010, as well as the names of 18 vessels in which these entities have property interests. DATES: OFAC’s actions pursuant to Executive Order 13551 described in this notice were effective July 30, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assistant Director, Compliance Outreach & Implementation, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220, tel.: 202/622–2490. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic and Facsimile Availability Additional information concerning OFAC is available from OFAC’s web site (www.treas.gov/ofac). Certain general information pertaining to OFAC’s sanctions 1 [4810-AL] programs is available via facsimile through a 24-hour fax-on demand service, tel.: 202/622–0077. Background On August 30, 2010, the President issued Executive Order 13551 (“Blocking Property of Certain Persons With Respect to North Korea”) (the “Order”). Section 1 of the Order blocks, with certain exceptions, all property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, including any foreign branch, of persons listed in the Annex to the Order, as well as persons determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to meet any of the criteria set forth in subsection (a)(ii) of section 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Future of North Korean Nuclear Delivery Systems
    The Future of North Korean Nuclear Delivery Systems JOHN SCHILLING HENRY KAN APRIL 2015 NORTH KOREA’S NUCLEAR FUTURES SERIES US-KOREA INSTITUTE AT SAIS John Schilling is an aerospace engineer with more than twenty years of experience, specializing in rocket and spacecraft propulsion and mission analysis. Dr. Schilling received his Ph.D. in astronautical engineering from the University of Southern California, and spent most of his career as a contractor for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate. He currently works for the Aerospace Corporation as a specialist in satellite and launch vehicle propulsion systems. Henry (Long) Kan is a Research Assistant at the US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work primarily focuses on nuclear security governance, nuclear command and control systems, and Asia-Pacific maritime security. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of California, Irvine, where he studied East Asian politics and US national security policy. The Future of North Korean Nuclear Delivery Systems JOHN SCHILLING HENRY KAN APRIL 2015 NORTH KOREA’S NUCLEAR FUTURES SERIES US-KOREA INSTITUTE AT SAIS Copyright © 2015 by the US-Korea Institute at SAIS Printed in the United States of America www.uskoreainstitute.org All rights reserved, except that authorization is given herewith to academic institutions and educators to reproduce for academic use as long as appropriate credit is given to the author and to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the US-Korea Institute at SAIS.
    [Show full text]
  • Watching Through the Lens of a Long Telescope: Monitoring North Korean Sanctions Evasion in the Maritime
    Watching Through the Lens of a Long Telescope Monitoring North Korean sanctions evasion in the maritime domain Neil Watts (Former Member of UN Panel of Experts for North Korea) Abstract The UN Security Council has imposed substantive sanctions on North Korea since 2006. The sanctions regime is monitored by a panel of experts based at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Because the country does not recognize the sanctions regime, the panel is compelled to fulfill its mandate by looking into North Korea from a distance. A former South African Navy captain, I was tasked with the portfolio of maritime transportation and the North Korean Naval forces. He served on the panel for five years until 2018. The paper unpacks the many ways that the panel, specifically the author, looked into North Korea to either investigate or monitor cases of evasion or violations of the sanctions involving bad actors in the maritime domain. The paper starts with the interdiction of the Chong Chon Gang and uses case studies selected from panel reports to demonstrate how, through a combination of technology, data, and information from states, it is able to look into the country, monitor it, and investigate evasion and violations of sanctions affecting the maritime domain. Aspects such as vessel disguises, deception, command and control, and the transfer of illicit goods and technology are covered in detail. The value of media and open-source information and other sources are also demonstrated. Many of the experiences detailed here have never before been shared in print. The challenge is to see it happening, look beyond the deception, and identify those behind it.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 79, No. 155/Tuesday, August 12, 2014/Notices
    Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 155 / Tuesday, August 12, 2014 / Notices 47175 the page. On the new page, enter Roland K Mezger Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). information required including the Mr. Mezger is a 41 year-old driver in They are unable to meet the vision specific section of this document to Pennsylvania. He has a history of requirement in one eye for various which each comment applies, and juvenile epilepsy and has remained reasons. The exemptions allow these provide a reason for each suggestion or seizure free since 1997. He takes anti- individuals to operate commercial recommendation. If you submit your seizure medication with the dosage and motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate comments by mail or hand delivery, frequency remaining the same since that commerce without meeting the submit them in an unbound format, no time. If granted the exemption, he prescribed vision requirement in one larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for would like to drive a CMV. His eye. copying and electronic filing. If you physician states he is supportive of Mr. DATES: submit comments by mail and would The new exemptions are Mezger receiving an exemption. like to know that they reached the effective July 22, 2014. All exemptions facility, please enclose a stamped, self- Adam B. Schultz expire two years from the effective date. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: addressed postcard or envelope. Mr. Schultz is a 22 year-old driver in We will consider all comments and Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Maryland. He has a history of epilepsy material received during the comment Programs Division, 202–366–4001, U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • North Korean–Cuban Arms Shipment Shows Need to Tighten Sanctions Bruce Klingner
    ISSUE BRIEF No. 3996 | JULY 22, 2013 North Korean–Cuban Arms Shipment Shows Need to Tighten Sanctions Bruce Klingner ven by North Korean standards, the story was contraband. Several North Korean freighters made Eodd. To a world used to North Korean exports similar trips to Cuba in recent years and may have of weapons, the seizure of a North Korean ship car- been carrying weapons, though none was inspected. rying arms from Cuba was unique. Pyongyang’s The Chong Chon Gang is registered to North Korea’s attempted transshipment of antiquated weapons largest state-owned shipping company and was pre- revealed much about the North Korean regime. viously detained by Ukraine in 2010 for carrying First, Pyongyang clearly continues to violate narcotics. multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) The North Korean–Cuban military contract is resolutions. Second, the U.N. sanctions are hurt- one component of an extensive effort by Pyongyang ing North Korean finances, forcing the impover- to gain desperately needed cash and resources. ished regime to scramble for cash. Third, the U.N. Besides arms trades, the North Korean government resolutions continue to have loopholes that must be is involved in counterfeiting foreign currencies, pro- rectified. ducing and distributing illegal narcotics and coun- The Chong Chon Gang. Panamanian authorities terfeit pharmaceuticals, and even insurance scams. seized the North Korean freighter Chong Chon Gang Although the obsolete Cuban Missile Crisis–era for attempting to transport Cuban SA-2 surface- weapons pose no military threat, their transship- to-air missiles and MIG-21 fighter planes. Havana ment is a violation of UNSC resolutions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Turtle Bay Pivot: How the United Nations Security Council Is Reshaping Naval Pursuit of Nuclear Proliferators, Rogue States, and Pirates
    Emory International Law Review Volume 33 Issue 1 2018 The Turtle Bay Pivot: How the United Nations Security Council Is Reshaping Naval Pursuit of Nuclear Proliferators, Rogue States, and Pirates Brian Wilson Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr Recommended Citation Brian Wilson, The Turtle Bay Pivot: How the United Nations Security Council Is Reshaping Naval Pursuit of Nuclear Proliferators, Rogue States, and Pirates, 33 Emory Int'l L. Rev. 1 (2018). Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/eilr/vol33/iss1/1 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Emory Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Emory International Law Review by an authorized editor of Emory Law Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WILSON_PROOFS 12/17/2018 12:20 PM THE TURTLE BAY PIVOT: HOW THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL IS RESHAPING NAVAL PURSUIT OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATORS, ROGUE STATES, AND PIRATES Brian Wilson* ABSTRACT Multinational action at the United Nations to combat illicit activity represents the most consequential sanctions period involving the maritime environment since the Athenian Empire’s Megarian Decree. From its inception, the Security Council has authorized measures that have led to naval approaches or boardings of more than 50,000 ships, the destruction of 3,500 vessels, and the maritime rescue of 40,000 people in the pursuit of transnational security threats. While the Security Council has addressed maritime challenges over the past seven decades, a diplomatic renaissance began in 2008 with decisions impacting naval engagements unfolding with unparalleled frequency: From 1946 to 2007, resolutions were adopted about once every 1.7 years, and since, are now approved every 2.5 months.
    [Show full text]
  • North Korea's Human Rights Abuses
    AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE NORTH KOREA’S HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES: THE CRIMES OF A BELLIGERENT STATE INTRODUCTIONS: ARTHUR C. BROOKS, AEI; NICHOLAS EBERSTADT, AEI; JUNG-HOON LEE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA AMBASSADOR FOR NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS; GREG SCARLATOIU, COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN NORTH KOREA PANEL I: NORTH KOREA TODAY: BELLIGERENCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS DENIAL PARTICIPANTS: JOANNA HOSANIAK, CITIZENS’ ALLIANCE FOR NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS; ROBERT KING, FORMER U.S. SPECIAL ENVOY ON NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS; GO MYUNG-HYUN, THE ASAN INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES; GREG SCARLATOIU, COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN NORTH KOREA MODERATOR: JUNG-HOON LEE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA AMBASSADOR FOR NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS LUNCHEON CONVERSATION: NICHOLAS EBERSTADT, AEI; MICHAEL KIRBY, FORMER CHIEF, UN COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN NORTH KOREA PANEL II: TACKLING THE NORTH KOREAN CONUNDRUM PANELISTS: TAEHYO KIM, SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY; SUNG-HAN KIM, FORMER REPUBLIC OF KOREA VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS; DAVID MAXWELL, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY AND COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN NORTH KOREA; WILLIAM NEWCOMB, 38 NORTH; JOSHUA STANTON, ONE FREE KOREA MODERATOR: NICHOLAS EBERSTADT, AEI CLOSING REMARKS: H. E. AHN HO-YOUNG, REPUBLIC OF KOREA AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES CLOSING STATEMENTS: NICHOLAS EBERSTADT, AEI; JUNG-HOON LEE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA AMBASSADOR FOR NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS; GREG SCARLATOIU, COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN NORTH KOREA 10:00 AM–3:40 PM MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017 EVENT PAGE: http://www.aei.org/events/north-koreas-human-rights-abuses-the- crimes-of-a-belligerent-state/ TRANSCRIPT PROVIDED BY DC TRANSCRIPTION – WWW.DCTMR.COM ARTHUR BROOKS: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please have a seat, and we’ll begin our program.
    [Show full text]
  • Korean Peninsula
    Section 2 Korean Peninsula On the Korean Peninsula, people of the same ethnicity have been divided into two—north and south—for more than half a century. Even today, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and North Korea pit their ground forces of about 1.6 million against each other across the demilitarized zone (DMZ). Maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is vital for the peace and stability of the entire East Asian region, to say nothing of Japan. See ▶ Fig. I-1-2-1 (Military Confrontation on the Korean Peninsula) 1 North Korea 1 General Situation North Korea has been advocating the construction of a strong socialist state in all areas—ideology, politics, military affairs, and economy1 and it adopts “military-first politics” to realize this goal. The “military-first politics” has been defined as a form of leadership that advances the great undertaking of socialism by resolving all problems that arise in the revolution and national construction on the principle of military-first and stressing the importance of the armed forces as the pillar of the revolution2. In fact, First Chairman of the National Defense Commission, Kim Jong-un, who is in a position to control the military, mentioned the importance of military power in his New Year Address3 in January 2014: “Strengthening defense capabilities is the most important of all state affairs, and the country’s dignity, people’s happiness and peace rest on powerful arms” and regularly visits military organizations. This indicates that he intends to continue attaching importance to, and relying on, the military forces.
    [Show full text]
  • RESEARCHING NORTH KOREA Sources, Methods, and Pitfalls
    THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR KOREAN STUDIES RESEARCHING NORTH KOREA Sources, Methods, and Pitfalls YONHO KIM, EDITOR, NKEF Policy and Reseach Paper Series / 2021 YONHO KIM, EDITOR NKEF Policy and Reseach Paper Series / March 2021 THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR KOREAN STUDIES RESEARCHING NORTH KOREA Sources, Methods, and Pitfalls YONHO KIM, EDITOR, NKEF Policy and Reseach Paper Series / 2021 YONHO KIM, EDITOR NKEF Policy and Reseach Paper Series / March 2021 About the North Korea Economic Forum The North Korea Economic Forum (NKEF) is part of the policy program at the George Washington University’s Institute for Korean Studies (GWIKS). The Forum aims to pro- mote the understanding of North Korean economic issues, distribute well-balanced, deeply researched, and multi-dimensional insights on the North Korean economy and to expand networks among various North Korea watchers, scholars, and policymakers. The Forum mostly involves closed and off-the-record meetings, where participants can freely and seriously discuss critical issues. Mr. Daniel Wertz is currently the chair of NKEF and is leading the meetings. NKEF also organizes special conferences made public throughout the academic year. The Forum is made possible by a generous grant provided by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. Editorial Board DANIEL WERTZ (Chair of the North Korea Economic JOONGHO KIM (Non-Resident Scholar at GWIKS and Forum at GWIKS and Program Manager at the National former Senior Research Fellow at the Export-Import Committee
    [Show full text]