North Korea’s nuclear test doesn’t signal US deterrence policy has failed, or the need for pre-emption
Robert Delaney says that it is too late to stop Pyongyang’s nuclear programme, but policymakers in Washington, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo can still work to prevent global nuclear catastrophe
It remains to be seen whether Trump kills the trade pact, needlessly damaging relations with the US’ most important military ally in Asia, but Trump probably figures another head-scratcher might let him sidestep a more fundamental question.
Last month, national security adviser H.R. McMaster said a “preventive war” is one option the US is considering to prevent North Korea’s capability to hit major US cities with nuclear-tipped missiles.
On the face of it, the comment suggests the Trump administration might move away from the US government’s policy of deterrence when it comes to North Korea.