The theory of Structural Realism and the Issue of Nuclear Proliferation in Northeast Asia

Abstract

In this article the author examines the situation around North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and the problem of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in North-East Asia through the prism of Kenneth Waltz’s “nuclear peace” concept developed within the framework of the structural realism theory. The basic issues of the “nuclear peace” concept are pointed in the first part of the paper. Within the framework of this approach Kenneth Waltz concludes that under certain conditions, nuclear weapons can contribute to the stability and reduce the possibility of developing full-scale conflict between the countries that possess them. In the second part of the paper on the base of this theoretical approach, the dynamic of the conflict over North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs is expressed. The system of international relations was under significant transformation in the late 1980s. These changes, which broke the balance of powers in the world as a whole, and in the North-East Asia in particular, resulted in North Korea’s commitment to use nuclear technology to improve its own defenses. The author examines the situation in the North-East Asia with the North Korea’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. The DPRK’s possession of nuclear weapons leads to disruption of the balance in the region. The author points that according to he logic of the K. Waltz’s concept Japan and South Korea should seek to acquire their own nuclear weapons. Today some political leaders allow this opportunity. However, such a development could make the situation in North-East Asia even more unpredictable and dangerous. Refs 26. Table 1.