From Missile Tests to Nuclear Rivalry: How North Korea Is Undermining Global Arms Control -By Ayesha Qayyum Baig

Recently, North Korea has done missile tests and that has gain global attention. It became the highlight everywhere, international world condemns this action. This is considered as the demonstrations of Pyongyang’s technological capabilities. But everyone knows this is not only the demonstration of technological capabilities but it poses a challenges to the stability with in the region. This can easily disrupt the power balance in Northeast Asia.

This is not just anything new but it something that regimes prioritizes. The leadership in Pyongyang is not simple as missiles are not considered as weapons but they are considered as the symbol of power, strength, sovereignty, defensive posture, and it also provides diplomatic influence. Each launch, has left some impact whether the short range missiles or a more sophisticated intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), tells one thing very clearly that North Korea is declaring its power and autonomy and giving world a signal that it can not be ignored. What is this? This is nothing but a security threat for a neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea and these missile tests are just compelling neighbours to rethink their defense strategies.

Unpredictability of North Korea:

The unpredictability of North Korean behavior heightens global anxieties. International diplomatic talks, sanctions, and global treaties have been efforts to contain this threat for several decades, but a single missile test can reverse all the hard work of several years of careful diplomacy. In 2017, for example, the North Korean government’s testing of several ICBMs heightened tensions to a degree not witnessed since the Korean War, with the threat of miscalculation and even conflict on the horizon. The truth that emerges from these experiences is that the international system, as strong as it purports to be, sometimes finds it difficult to cope with the challenge of a regime that lives by its unpredictability.

In addition to the security concerns, the global implications of North Korea’s missile tests cannot be underestimated. The tests are fueling militarization in the region, prompting other nations such as Japan and South Korea to improve their missile defense capabilities. In other instances, the tests have reignited discussions on nuclear sharing and preemptive defense policies, further increasing the prospects of an arms race in the region. On the other hand, the tests by North Korea are undermining the global fight against proliferation. The tests are a clear indication to other countries that nuclear and missile programs are still viable tools of foreign policy, and this could trigger similar programs in other regions of the world that are prone to instability.

Undermining of global arms control:

North Korea is undermining the global arms control, it can create a lot of problems in the region. There is a risk of arms race in region that can risk the strategic stability. Arms control treaties help to manage the nuclear weapons. These treaties increased transparency and build trust among nations. But now political mistrust has deescalate treaties like these and the mutual cooperation among states having nuclear weapons also lessen. Now nations are in competition with each other secretly. The greatest example we have is North Korea. Most recent is north Korean multiple ballistic missile launch has disturbed the international peace this test has violated the resolution passed by united nation security council that bans the north Korean from conducting ballistic missile. However, North Korea is still expanding its nuclear weapons and performing different tests to show the world that they are expanding their strength. This is a clear risk to the regional stability. Now states are not focused on reducing the nuclear weapons but they are modernizing the nuclear arsenals.

Everyone needs to understand that Arms control is necessary for stability and peace. It prevents sudden military advantage by any country. Arms control treaty also gives predictability that what rival has. They are aware of what rival possessed.

Psychological effects:

Furthermore, the psychological effects of such tests should not be overlooked. In a world that is interconnected through immediate news and social media, a single launch can cause panic and uncertainty not only in the surrounding area but also in the global community. Markets fluctuate, governments convene emergency meetings, and people live with the uncertainty of knowing that conflict can escalate at any moment. It is in this atmosphere of uncertainty that the important issue of global security is not only a function of weapons and strategies but also one of perception, trust, and confidence in the ability to resolve conflict through peaceful means.

However, despite these difficulties, the missile tests of North Korea also offer a chance for the international community to reassess its strategy. As history has shown, it is often the case that sanctions and criticism are not enough to alter a country’s policy. Engagement, if done correctly, could offer a better long-term solution. By using a combination of diplomatic efforts and effective defense strategies, the world’s great powers can address the security issues that are fueling the actions of North Korea while not escalating the situation. Negotiation is not the same thing as appeasement; it is simply the recognition that sometimes stability takes time and requires a certain amount of creativity.

Question of responsibility:

At the end of the day, the question of North Korea’s missile program is not simply a matter of missiles and technology it is a question of responsibility. It is a reminder that the world is forced to grapple with difficult questions about deterrence, diplomacy, and the tools we use to preserve peace. It is a reminder that even in the modern age of nuclear weapons and sophisticated missile defense systems, the vulnerability of security must not be forgotten. Every missile test is an opportunity to remember that peace is not a guarantee and that international cooperation and strategic thinking are more important than ever.

In conclusion, the missile tests conducted by North Korea are a wake-up call. They show the limitations of traditional diplomacy, the effects of insecurity in the region, and the need for careful and creative responses. While the news headlines are focused on the details of a missile test, the story is much deeper. It is a story of power, perception, and the human element of international security. As the world watches, it is clear that the challenges posed by North Korea are not simply a regional issue, but a test of our collective capacity to maintain stability in an increasingly unstable world.