Other
- +18
James M. Acton, Saskia Brechenmacher, Cecily Brewer, …
{
"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.
- Unpacking Trump’s National Security Strategy
- Trump Has an Out on Nuclear Testing. He Should Take It.Commentary
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 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- The U.S. Export-Import Bank Was Built for a Different Era. Here's How to Fix It.Commentary
Five problems—and solutions—to make it actually work as a tool of great power competition.
Afreen Akhter
- Russia Is Meddling for Meddling’s Sake in the Middle EastCommentary
The Russian leadership wants to avoid a dangerous precedent in which it is squeezed out of Iran by the United States and Israel—and left powerless to respond in any meaningful way.
Nikita Smagin
- The Fog of AI WarCommentary
In Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, AI warfare has come to dominate, with barely any oversight or accountability. Europe must lead the charge on the responsible use of new military technologies.
Raluca Csernatoni
- Egypt’s Discrete Role in the Ceasefire with IranCommentary
Cairo’s efforts send a message to the United States and the region that it still has a place at the diplomatic table.
Angie Omar
- Realism and the Lebanon-Israel TalksCommentary
Beirut’s desire to break free from Iranian hegemony may push it into a situation where it has to accept Israel’s hegemony.
Michael Young
