Defense Secretary Jim Mattis indicated this week that the U.S. will lift a suspension of joint military exercises with South Korea. This announcement, in addition to President Trump's recent cancelation of his State Department's visit to Pyongyang, goes against what Peace Science tells us about the importance of granting concessions and avoiding provocations during intense negotiations.
The United States has downplayed the importance of including civil society in the peace talks between North and South Korea. However, civil society has a proven track record in this area: history and research show that by including civil society in negotiations, the strength and longevity of peace agreements are increased.
North Korea says joint U.S./South Korean military exercises are jeopardizing the upcoming summit between Trump and Kim.
Former U.S. Secretary of State on the growing threat of fascism: “If one were to draft a script chronicling fascism’s resurrection, the abdication of America’s moral leadership would make a credible first sense.”
Context: “On the heels of a meeting between North and South Korea in which Kim Jong-un reportedly put denuclearization on the table, a grassroots coalition of more than 200 anti-war organizations and activists sent an open letter (pdf) to President Donald Trump on Thursday
In public opinion polling, question framing strongly influences people’s support for the use of military force.
Non-governmental/professional experts have more of a shared perspective on the Kurdish conflict than politicians do.
U.S. Vice President Pence is condemning North Korea’s participation in the Olympics as “propaganda to hijack the message and imagery of the Olympic games”
Inside this issue, we analyze research on the negligent dismissal of environmental and health considerations during the world’s race to develop nuclear weapons. The second analysis examines how the perceived legitimacy, power, and language of certain people can influence thinking and policy on nuclear disarmament efforts. The third analysis examines how gender and Western domination of knowledge shape nuclear discourse. In the fourth analysis, we highlight the importance of devaluing nuclear weapons not only as material, but as social objects. Finally, we examine empirical research that considers U.S. proximity and power as the main contributor to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
The U.S.'s overwhelming military capabilities and presence on the Korean Peninsula are primary motivators for North Korea’s nuclear program.