Why Not Proliferate? Explaining South Korea’s Nuclear Decision

• In Event: Nuclear Proliferation and Counterproliferation

Abstract

Given the benefits of possession of nuclear weapons, it is not surprising that nonnuclear states would desire to acquire nuclear weapons. Aspiration for the acquisition of nuclear weapons will be stronger if a state is under the significant threats of its enemy. South Korea is a case in point. South Korea is under the direct threats of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile attacks, and its security heavily depends on the provision of a US nuclear umbrella.
The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the conditions under which South Korea would decide to go nuclear. It seeks to examine the key factors that would trigger Seoul’s decision for nuclear arming. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the study of nuclear proliferation in particular and international security in general.

Author

• Min-hyung Kim, Kyung Hee University