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The U.S. Nuclear Posture Review that was announced the day before yesterday is significant in solidifying U.S. President Barack Obama’s concept of a “nuclear free world.” Obama plans today to sign a new nuclear arms reduction pact with Russia and next week lead a summit on nuclear security. It looks as if it is a turning point in global nuclear policy reflecting the post-Cold War situation.



The report reduced the role of nuclear weapons in security and made official the policy of “negative security assurances.” It is a declaration that the U.S. will not use nuclear weapons on non-nuclear states that comply with their duties as NPT-member states, even if they attack the U.S. first. This is in contrast with the policies of the Bush administration, which made preemptive nuclear attacks a major security strategy. The report, by placing its nuclear policy priority on blocking an increase in the number of nuclear states and nuclear terrorism, made clear that the U.S. will to work to build an effective non-proliferation structure. It appears this attitude will contribute to persuading existing nuclear powers like Russia to participate and blocking attempts by non-nuclear states to develop nuclear weapons.



The new policy, however, is limited in its reservations about abandoning in total preemptive nuclear attacks. It leaves open the possibility that nuclear weapons will be used if the U.S. is first attacked by a nation with nuclear weapons that does not adhere to its duties under the NPT. This is intended to name Iran and North Korea as exceptions to its general nuclear policy and place pressure upon them. This contradicts the Sept. 19 Joint Statement in which the U.S. confirmed it has no intention to attack or invade North Korea with nuclear or conventional weapons. Depending on the situation, it could also become an excuse for North Korea to strengthen its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.



Accordingly, for the new U.S. policy to bear fruit, it must be followed by active efforts to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue. Despite saying it would resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through negotiations, the Obama administration has not made concerted efforts to build a concrete plan increase the motivation for dialogue. The six party talks, which were expected to convene at around the time of the nuclear security summit at the earliest, still show now signs of restarting, and for this, the U.S. also shoulders much of the blame.

A nuclear-free world is something humankind must work to bring about. President Obama is succeeding in lifting the anchor of this policy. The more important thing is effort to see substantive results. In particular, it must be kept in mind that a solution to the North Korea nuclear issue will be found only after the U.S. shows active efforts.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]