NAPSNet 12 April 2012

Recommended Citation

"NAPSNet 12 April 2012", NAPSNet Weekly Report, April 12, 2012, https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-weekly/napsnet-12-april-2012-2/

DETERRENCE: Domestic debates and assessment of extended deterrence in South Korea: A South Korean perspective, Choi Jong Kun, NAPSNet Special Report (10 April 2012)

US threats to use military force have failed to dissuade and deter the DPRK from its nuclear weapons programs and launching limited provocations. Repetitive confirmation of extended deterrence only strengthens North Korea’s nuclear development. The ROK and the US must shift to tailored deterrence by emphasizing punishment and denial toward the North, with a focus on conventional deterrence.

DPRK: South Korea suspects that North may test nuclear device as well as rocket, The New York Times (8 April 2012)

Sources in the ROK have expressed concern that the North is preparing for a third nuclear test. Satellite images showed new tunnels being dug at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the DPRK. The Chosun Simbo hinted that criticism of the launch would lead to circumstances similar to April 2009, when the North tested a nuclear weapon in response to UNSC condemnation of a launch. North Korea has completed assembling the rocket at the launch site.

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: USAID climate change and development strategy: Clean resilient growth, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) (January 2012) [PDF, 4.52 MB]

USAID is considering both how our activities affect greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts that a changing climate is already having (and will continue to have) on our globe. USAID’s 2012-2016 climate change and development strategy prioritizes development planning and programming for sustainable economic growth that is not only resilient to climate change but also reduces contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

ENERGY SECURITY: Small nuclear power reactors, World Nuclear Association (22 March 2012)

The World Nuclear Association notes a resurgence of interest in small nuclear reactors to provide power and heat, in a wide variety of applications. Summaries are provided for different small reactor technologies using a range of different fuel cycles, and including designs for modular deployment. The US Department of Energy has signed agreements with three companies interested in developing small reactors at an existing DOE nuclear complex.

GOVERNANCE AND CIVIL SOCIETY: Governing party retains edge in South Korean vote, Choe Sang-hun, New York Times (11 April 2012)

The ruling Saenuri Party maintained a majority following Wednesday’s Parliamentary elections, winning an unexpected 152 of 300 seats. Analysts had predicted that the opposition party would take back the majority, but faltered in recent months over scandals and criticisms over their candidate-nomination process. DPRK issues played a minimal role, despite rhetoric against the ruling party in past days and its impending satellite launch.

 

Note: We regret that the Austral Security section is not included in this week’s NAPSNet report and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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