Nautilus Peace and Security Weekly – 16 January 2014

Recommended Citation

"Nautilus Peace and Security Weekly – 16 January 2014", NAPSNet Weekly Report, January 16, 2014, https://nautilus.org/napsnet/napsnet-weekly/nautilus-peace-and-security-weekly-16-january-2014/


deterrence imageDETERRENCE:  Unmanned systems integrated roadmap, FY2013-2038, US DOD (24 December 2013) [PDF, 4.4MB]

The US pivot to the Pacific requires affordable unmanned systems to operate in and near North Korea and China. The Roadmap examines unmanned systems in relation to interoperability and modularity; communication systems, spectrum, and resilience; security (research and intelligence/technology protection; persistent resilience); autonomy and cognitive behavior; and weapons.


dprk imageDPRK: China and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missiles: policy issues, Shirley Kan, Congressional Research Service (3 January 2014) [PDF 698KB]

North Korea continues to push the U.S. and South Korea closer in a way that broadens and solidifies the diplomatic and military alliance.  The U.S. is moving more combat equipment to Korea and Korea agreed to pay over $800 million toward Alliance management. China seems to accept the dynamics as long as the Alliance doesn’t target third countries such as China.  The United States and China discussed a North Korean collapse scenario as recently as 2009 according to a Congressional Research Service report that was recently released. Image source: KCNA


Energy imageENERGY SECURITY: Energy for centuries: Is methane hydrate the energy source of the future?, Clare Foran, National Journal (29 December 2013)

Fracking for shale gas has become controversial because of the local environmental effects at production source, in particular by contamination of groundwater. But shale supplies have also lowered gas prices and led some coal plants to shut down. This is exhilarating news for the professional worrywarts of global environment, who have never had any legal power or responsibility, but now drooling at the prospect of proposed US EPA regulations that make new coal plants prohibitive compared to shale gas plants. After shale gas will come methane hydrates, and both together will drive up methane emissions into the atmosphere. Let’s all hope and trust that climate models are wrong.


Energy Shift Parade in TokyoGOVERNANCE AND CIVIL SOCIETY: Japan delays energy plans amid public concern regarding nuclear power, John Hofilena, Japan Daily Press (15 January 2014)

Japan’s government has delayed the release of energy plans as public opposition to nuclear power rises. Candidates in the race for the next Tokyo governor include former PM Hosokawa, focusing on a strong anti-nuclear position with the backing of former PM Koizumi, possibly further hindering the Abe administration’s plans. Protestors in Kyushu marked the 1,000 day of demonstrations against the use of nuclear power since the Fukushima disaster.


climateadapt imageCLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: The new normal: A Hong Kong business primer on climate change adaptation, Climate Change Business Forum, (2013) [6.47 MB, PDF]

Businesses can assess trends related to climate change, identify risks, and build resilience into their operations and supply chains. Their appraisals may also disclose opportunities for new products and services to serve the emerging low-carbon economy. Action on predicted climate change impacts is called climate adaptation. Apart from the drivers, espousal of climate adaptation is like taking up any sort of corporate change, which needs leadership at the top, steadiness between messages and actions, and persistent follow-through.


The Nautilus Peace and Security Weekly Report presents articles and full length reports each week in six categories: Austral security, nuclear deterrence, energy security, climate change and security, the DPRK, climate change adaptation and governance and civil society. Our team of contributors carefully select items that highlight the links between these themes and the three regions in which our offices are found—North America, Northeast Asia, and the Austral-Asia region.

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