North Korea launched a few more short-range missiles today. In what is another provocative act in a string of provocative acts (rocket launch under the guise of launching a space satellite, nuclear test, withdrawal from the 6 party talks, withdrawing from the 1953 armistice agreement with South Korea), North Korea sent the world a resounding message: pay attention to me!
Now, I’m sure many people think that North Korea is an ‘irrational’ actor, but I beg to differ. North Korea is playing the only game it knows how, and is doing it well. Not only has the DPRK gotten away with testing two nuclear devices, but it continues to flout international law and security council resolutions, and there’s also the question of proliferation. (Although I’d hate to be the recipient of North Korean nuclear or missile technology – not exactly worth the cost. Better to get it from someone a bit more reliable!)
So what more will North Korea get? I’m willing to bet that they’re not done provoking the US – I’d wager there’ll be a few more longer-range missile tests, and possibly another nuclear test. (My best guess as to when? G8 leaders’ summit coming up next week.)
The question really becomes what does North Korea want. The answer is simple: to be recognized as a nuclear state. Will North Korea get what it is gambling everything for, or will it all blow up in its face?
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