Geopolitical challenges in the Korean Peninsula: impacts of Pyongyang’ nuclear policy

Abstract

The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains a critical focal point of geopolitical tension, with significant implications for China, South Korea, the United States, and Russia. Despite the armistice signed 70 years ago and the establishment of a demilitarized zone under international supervision, North Korea, under the authoritarian regime of Kim Jong-un, has managed to endure and strengthen itself despite severe international economic sanctions. The regime has employed the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as tools of deterrence and negotiation, challenging containment efforts spearheaded by the United States and supported by South Korea. The recent military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, following Vladimir Putin's visit, further complicates the situation, while China's stance remains ambiguous, concerned about the destabilizing potential of an open conflict but avoiding direct confrontation. In this complex scenario, the stability of the peninsula remains precarious, with scant prospects for a lasting peaceful resolution.