The United States is launching a set of measures aimed at publicly countering the growing nuclear threat from North Korea. The announcement comes during a state visit between U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol today. Those measures will be outlined in a joint document called the “Washington Declaration,” which will include a U.S. nuclear ballistic submarine to South Korea for the first time in four decades and creating a "Nuclear Consultative Group,” among additional actions.
If you would like more context on this matter, please consider Sharon Ann Squassoni, research professor of international affairs at the George Washington University. Squassoni's research, writing and policy-making has focused on reducing risks from nuclear energy and weapons for three decades. She has specialized in nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, and nuclear arms control and security policy for three decades, serving in the U.S. government at the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the State Department, and the Congressional Research Service.
"Despite what the Biden administration is saying, this latest move reemphasizes the role of nuclear weapons in extended deterrence,” Squassoni says. “It's natural to want to reassure South Korea, but the cost will be increased instability in Northeast Asia."
If you would like to speak with Prof. Squassoni, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
-GW-