In light of North Korea’s recent military activity, experts are offering new analyses of the country’s readiness for war. North Korea’s test firing of a new surface-to-air missile and a test launch of a super-sized combat vehicle in the western sea are interpreted as moves in line with a hypothetical war scenario set by Pyongyang. Notably, these actions appear to be part of a broader psychological warfare effort by North Korea to keep the South in a state of anxiety and fear.
North Korea’s strategic intentions and psychological warfare
Wang Choi, director of the Center for Global Diplomacy at the Korea Institute for Policy Studies, noted that North Korea’s much-vaunted launch of its “super-sized combat units” is intended to create anxiety in the South. This is an act of flaunting by North Korea, which constantly mentions the possibility of a nuclear weapon, and is interpreted as an attempt to exert psychological pressure on the South. However, such an act could backfire, as it would negate North Korea’s own previous statements about having a nuclear weapon, and raise questions about the country’s actual readiness for war.
Kim Jong-un’s military moves and war readiness
Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Nampo shipyard and his comments on the importance of strengthening its naval forces suggest that North Korea is serious about preparing for war. Wang Choi analyzes the escalating military tensions on the Korean Peninsula as part of the country’s preparations for war through the development of nuclear and ballistic missiles, as well as the strengthening of its naval and air forces. North Korea’s move lends credence to the analysis that Kim Jong-un is determined to go to war, but it disagrees with the conclusion that war is inevitable. Even if North Korea decides to go to war while unprepared, it’s unclear whether it will actually go to war, and naval buildup has emerged as an important component of North Korea’s preparations.
Conclusion and outlook
North Korea’s recent military activities and war readiness are analyzed as a complex psychological warfare and strategic intent. Experts still question whether North Korea is actually preparing for war, and whether its preparations are sufficient. These developments have significant implications for the security environment on the Korean Peninsula, and the international community needs to keep a close eye on North Korea’s next move and prepare a response.
