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Source: Getty

In The Media

North Korea 'Nuclear Test'

The UN Security Council says there has been a nuclear test in North Korea.

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By James M. Acton
Published on Feb 12, 2013
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Nuclear Policy

The Nuclear Policy Program aims to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Our experts diagnose acute risks stemming from technical and geopolitical developments, generate pragmatic solutions, and use our global network to advance risk-reduction policies. Our work covers deterrence, disarmament, arms control, nonproliferation, and nuclear energy.

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Source: Al Jazeera

Appearing on Al Jazeera, Carnegie's James Acton discussed the diplomatic response and key elements of the latest North Korean nuclear test. Acton pointed out that the diplomatic response to what seems like North Korea's third nuclear test will see a good deal of condemnation. "How this will be interpreted by the international community is going to depend quite heavily on how big the yield of this test was," said Acton. "There's a lot of uncertainty at the moment, but if it's really one kilometer, which is actually pretty deep for a nuclear test, this test could be substantially larger than the previous two," Acton added.

Acton argued that the United States and South Korea will not want to escalate the military response at the initial stages of their reactions, but will instead work with the United Nations and China to condemn the test. "They key issue about this nuclear test will be - if radioactive particles are detected in the air - to see if it's a uranium test or a plutonium test," Acton concluded.

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.

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  • Paper
    Nuclear Weapons and the Future of American Power

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James M. Acton
Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program
James M. Acton
Nuclear PolicyArms ControlEast AsiaNorth Korea

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.

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