North Korea a Threat?

[VCrakeV]

A lot of people, including myself, have taken the belief that North Korea's "advancements" are at least exaggerated. But what if they really are catching up? Eventually, they may be able to fulfill their threats... What do you think? Should we worry? How much of a threat are they?

Let's assume they're caught up in nuclear warfare, or soon will be. Will the US be able to successfully intercept attacks in a real life scenario? If so, then what? Do they just defend until The North runs out of bombs, or will The West have to react with force? The latter does seem practical, but it's also a political nightmare to participate in nuclear warfare.

[Ismail]

Unless one thinks the North Korean leadership is insane, it seems pretty obvious to me that the development of nuclear weaponry is meant as a deterrent and as a bargaining chip for the US to ease sanctions and negotiate with the DPRK on other issues.

US militarism in Korea is an actual threat to the interests of American workers. The DPRK isn't.

[VCrakeV]

I wouldn't be surprised if their leadership was insane. :lol: I understand though. I just sort of see them as more radical than rational (especially given their isolationism). I had assumed (oops) their intentions were actually militant.

[Antiochus]

North Korea may be a threat to the people inside North Korea and perhaps to the Korean peninsula as a whole. North Korea's GDP is like $40 billion, less than Warren Buffet's net worth. Its just a huge red-herring. Though the propaganda emanating about it isn't that absurd. After all, Red Dawn 1 and 2 were moderate hits, meaning there are actually people stupid enough to believe the U.S (the greatest imperialist power) can be militarily invaded, occupied and victimized.

[VCrakeV]

Well, yeah, that's what I was thinking of. If North Korea attacked, the US could retaliate with much greater force. I can imagine there being some understanding in that scenario, but there would still be a negative connotation with both countries for attacking each other (though much less so the US). North Korea is relatively weak, but fusion bombs can wreck a lot of havoc. Unless the nuclear warfare ban (can't remember the treaty's name) would be temporarily lifted for the unfortunate circumstances, the US would have to face serious sanctions or send troops to Korea (much less effective). Of course, this in the hypothetical situation that North Korea attacks, with no care for consequences.

[logfish111]

They are a grave threat to their own people, developing weapons of mass destruction and making a lot of people march in silly lines while their people starve to death. It is truly tragic.