Why should we be afraid of North Korea?

(Baonghean.vn) - Media and politicians constantly remind us that North Korea manufactures a nuclear bomb every eight weeks. Unless something changes, the Kim Jong-un regime will build a nuclear arsenal capable of striking the US mainland by the mid-2020s.

North Korean soldiers stand in Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

Another reality is that the U.S. could be drawn into a devastating conflict on the Korean Peninsula, potentially claiming millions of lives, endangering U.S. troops, and even triggering a nuclear war. Therefore, we need to consider the situation cautiously. However, should we be so afraid of North Korea?

The United States is the most powerful superpower in the world. Its military potential is second to none, equaling that of the next eight countries combined. It possesses thousands of nuclear weapons and numerous precision-guided bombs. Its fighter jets, warships, stealth aircraft, and cyber capabilities are the envy of many.

In contrast, we have North Korea, an authoritarian state that fails to meet the basic needs of its 23 million people. The UN World Food Programme reported that 70% of North Koreans did not have enough to eat in 2016. An estimated 25% of North Korean children are stunted. The country ranks 213th out of 230 countries in terms of GDP per capita. North Korea has 1.2 million military personnel, however, the North Korean armed forces rely on "outdated, non-modernized equipment."

So who should be afraid of whom?

In a large-scale confrontation with the US and South Korea, the North Korean leadership and country would be destroyed; therefore, Pyongyang is not choosing a "suicidal" policy.

US President Donald Trump said North Korea is "looking for trouble." Photo: AP

Therefore, America's actions should not be guided by outdated, formulaic policies and overreacting tweets from the President in the face of disagreements, which could lead to missteps and disaster. Above all, America needs to lead with confidence, not fear.

As former Secretary of Defense William Perry emphasized: "We need to deal with North Korea as it is, not as we wish it to be." This means that we shouldn't expect North Korea to abide by international standards, but we also can't treat it as a "super-thug."

The threat posed by North Korea is serious, but it is not an imminent threat to the American mainland. Therefore, we should not worsen the situation by self-scares and exacerbating the risk of another Korean War.

Lan Ha

(According to the LA Times)