Denuclearising North Korea would ‘defy history’ as US, allies missed the boat

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Denuclearising North Korea would ‘defy history’ as US, allies missed the boat. (2026, October 11). South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3370470/denuclearising-north-korea-would-defy-history-us-allies-missed-boat?utm_source=rss_feed

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Jenny Town, director of 38 North, argues that the goal of denuclearizing North Korea is increasingly unlikely given the country's advancements since its first nuclear test in 2006. Specifically, she highlights the pivotal moment in 2017 when North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, altering perceptions about the threat posed to the United States and its allies. Town suggests that instead of pursuing denuclearization, efforts should focus on limiting arms and enhancing crisis communication mechanisms.

Written by AI on 2026-10-11, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

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Story summary

Jenny Town, director of 38 North, stated that denuclearizing North Korea is now an "increasingly improbable" goal. This assessment follows 20 years since North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006 and highlights the pivotal moment in 2017 when it tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Despite not fully demonstrating ICBM capabilities, this development altered how US allies perceive the credibility of American extended deterrence. Town noted that South Korea is increasingly concerned about "decoupling," or the idea that the US might be less willing to use nuclear weapons in defense of South Korea as North Korea's threat grows more severe.

Written for “North Korea Denuclearisation Debate” on 2026-11-04, grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.

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The denuclearisation of North Korea has become an “increasingly improbable” goal and the United States and its allies should move beyond it to devote their diplomatic efforts to talks on arms limitations and crisis communication, the director of the US-based North Korean analysis website 38 North said. asserted

director → become → website

Recalling the 20 years since North Korea carried out its first nuclear test on October 9, 2006, Jenny Town said in a written interview that “a pivotal moment” in Pyongyang’s weapons development came in 2017 when the country’s first test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile took place. asserted

firing → recall → place

Even without fully showcasing ICBM capabilities, the test changed “the nature of the threat and the way US allies viewed the credibility of US extended deterrence”, Town said, referring to the US commitment to using its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, for protection of its allies and deterrence against attacks. “While reassuring allies of security commitments is a persistent challenge, North Korea having both theatre and long-range capabilities – able to reach the US homeland as well – has exacerbated decoupling fears in South Korea,” she added, noting that such fears will “only grow” as Pyongyang works to improve the credibility of its strategic weaponry. asserted

Pyongyang → showcase → weaponry

Denuclearising North Korea would ‘defy history’ as US, allies missed the boat

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