Policy Analyst James McKeon and Research Intern Meyer Thalheimer penned an op-ed in The Hill.
“No matter the spin, it is time for officials to be realistic about North Korea’s military research and development capabilities and craft policy responses accordingly.
The continued questioning of North Korean claims reveals a set of biases that cloud political and analytical thinking. Even if the DPRK has not fully worked out the kinks of their programs, they have achieved the foundations of long-range ballistic missile technology (though with poor accuracy), domestic fuel production, a nuclear capability with the goal of achieving thermonuclear proficiency, and potentially the means of warhead miniaturization. All of these capabilities have been accomplished ahead of “schedule” and in contrast to some claims that each milestone would be difficult or impossible to achieve for such a backwards, resource-poor country.” Read more
