Paper
James M. Acton, Ankit Panda
{
"authors": [
"James M. Acton"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
],
"collections": [
"U.S. Nuclear Policy",
"Korean Peninsula"
],
"englishNewsletterAll": "ctw",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "NPP",
"programs": [
"Nuclear Policy"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"North America",
"United States",
"East Asia",
"North Korea"
],
"topics": [
"Nuclear Policy",
"Arms Control"
]
}
Source: Getty
In The Media
Assessing the Threat of North Korea's Nuclear Program
North Korea carried out a third nuclear test underground at a remote location in the northeastern part of the country, prompting new fears and international condemnation.
Published on Feb 12, 2013
Source: PBS NewsHour
IMGXYZ15964IMGZYXAppearing on PBS's NewsHour, Carnegie's James Acton said that most people believe that Pyongyang's long term goal is developing a ballistic missile armed with a nuclear warhead that can threaten the United States. "In order to do that," said Acton, "you need a miniaturized, physically smaller and lighter nuclear device, so Pyongyang is claiming that is has successfully done that."
North Korea carried out a nuclear test underground at a remote location in the northeastern part of the country, prompting new fears and international condemnation. This is third nuclear test by North Korea since 2006 and the first test under the new leader, Kim Jong-un.
The U.N. Security Council voted just weeks ago to impose additional sanctions on North Korea. This latest test forced the Council into an emergency session where members condemned the actions and discuss more sanctions. Even China, North Korea’s sole ally, condemned the act, Acton said.
Acton clarified that the size of the device tested and the material it was made from remain unknown. "In fact, we don't even know definitively that this was larger than the previous two tests," said Acton. However, he went on to say that this test demonstrates North Korea is "moving along its arc of developing nuclear weapons that can threaten the United States."
About the Author
James M. Acton
Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program
Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Nuclear Weapons and the Future of American Power
- The Latest Iran Deal Ignores the Lessons of the PastCommentary
James M. Acton
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
- An American Muslim Exception?Commentary
In an interview, Rozina Ali discusses her new book on the rise and manifestations of Islamophobia in the United States.
Michael Young
- The Israel Lobby, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Domestic LibertiesCommentary
In an interview, Ian Lustick and Eli Clifton discuss their new book on why a prominent ally has so much influence in America.
Michael Young
- Three Ruptures and the End of Pax Americana in the Middle EastCommentary
As the U.S. stumbles in its war with Iran, we are likely to see an acceleration of its disengagement from the region.
Michael Young
- Less of America is MoreCommentary
Middle Eastern states should welcome an accelerated U.S. disengagement from their region.
Michael Young
- A Strategic Disaster that Devalues U.S. Military ProwessCommentary
In an interview, former ambassador Charles Freeman assesses the Trump administration’s war against Iran.
Michael Young
