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The problem as we found out in the 50s is not in defeating the DKRP, it is in defeating China. Canada is much different geographically and geopolitically than

by fleitz 16y ago

The problem as we found out in the 50s is not in defeating the DKRP, it is in defeating China. Canada is much different geographically and geopolitically than North Korea, also North Korea ISN'T on the US doorstep. As a better example of what would happen to North Korea if it were on the US doorstep, look towards Cuba. The US by and large tolerates Cuba to exist in it's current form as long as it does not pose a significant threat to US interests. If Cuba decided to stockpile nuclear weapons you'd see a much different reaction. Since the 50s the DKRP has been essentially in China's hemisphere of influence under it's own unwritten version of the monroe doctorine.

DrJokepu 16y ago
It's really interesting that you mention China because seems to start to get a bit annoyed and ashamed by North Korea. What North Korea is doing is very bad for business (and war would hurt it even more so), North Korea is not a significant trade partner and China doesn't care about ideology any more as these days it's a communist country only in name; it's de facto a capitalist dictatorship. I don't think China will abandon North Korea but I also don't think they would be as willing to support North Korea as they have done in the past.
- fleitz 16y ago
  I agree, but that means that the USA doesn't need to respond if China will keep NK in line.
yummyfajitas 16y ago
The problem as we found out in the 50s is not in defeating the DKRP, it is in defeating China. That's not a difficult matter. Unlike the situation between the US and Russia in the 50-60's, China is heavily dependent on trade with the US and the rest of the world. Step 1: Cut off all trade with China. Step 2: All Chinese-owned T-bills are declared null and void and Chinese assets at US banks are seized. (Followed by some forensic accounting to track down bonds they own through subsidiaries.) Step 3: Japan/SK will almost certainly do the same. So would Taiwan if they want to stay under our military umbrella. If steps 1-3 haven't completely destroyed China's economy: Step 4: Naval blockade. Any cargo ships entering or leaving a Chinese port are seized. China has a lot to lose, and very little to gain. If we were serious about overthrowing NK, China would be foolish engage in open hostilities in an attempt to stop us. All they could really do is play passive aggressive games that would make our life marginally harder.

by fleitz 16y ago

DrJokepu 16y ago

It's really interesting that you mention China because seems to start to get a bit annoyed and ashamed by North Korea. What North Korea is doing is very bad for business (and war would hurt it even more so), North Korea is not a significant trade partner and China doesn't care about ideology any more as these days it's a communist country only in name; it's de facto a capitalist dictatorship. I don't think China will abandon North Korea but I also don't think they would be as willing to support North Korea as they have done in the past.

fleitz 16y ago
I agree, but that means that the USA doesn't need to respond if China will keep NK in line.

yummyfajitas 16y ago

The problem as we found out in the 50s is not in defeating the DKRP, it is in defeating China. That's not a difficult matter. Unlike the situation between the US and Russia in the 50-60's, China is heavily dependent on trade with the US and the rest of the world. Step 1: Cut off all trade with China. Step 2: All Chinese-owned T-bills are declared null and void and Chinese assets at US banks are seized. (Followed by some forensic accounting to track down bonds they own through subsidiaries.) Step 3: Japan/SK will almost certainly do the same. So would Taiwan if they want to stay under our military umbrella. If steps 1-3 haven't completely destroyed China's economy: Step 4: Naval blockade. Any cargo ships entering or leaving a Chinese port are seized. China has a lot to lose, and very little to gain. If we were serious about overthrowing NK, China would be foolish engage in open hostilities in an attempt to stop us. All they could really do is play passive aggressive games that would make our life marginally harder.