THERE IS A PATH TO DETENTE
Saber rattling — to be more specific, nuclear saber rattling — has become the hallmark for the Trump administration in its public relations approach to North Korea. Led by the ill-advised comments of Donald Trump and the equally ill-advised echoing by U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the path to diplomacy is being fast substituted with an aggressive and destructive road to hell.
Though North Korea is viewed as an “existential threat” to the United States and its allies, I would like to note that North Korea does not have a history of attacking other nations nor engaging in wars of occupation. While we may not agree with its treatment of its citizens and condemn its human rights violations, it is important to distinguish these actions from assuming Kim Jong Un’s rhetoric is an action. At the very least, there is a path to detente. Kim Jong Un has a strong desire to be recognized as a legitimate leader of a nation among nations. In addition, he wants the U.S. and other nations to recognize North Korea as a nuclear nation — which clearly it is. The United States’ position is that diplomatic talks do not begin until North Korea stops flying missiles and dismantles its nuclear capabilities. This is what we are told is the U.S. non-negotiable position. This is not a negotiation; it is a dictation.
The ideal negotiation involves each side giving up something in order to get more of what they want.
If the United States reduces its military provocations — joint maneuvers with South Korea, fly-overs as a show of force — in exchange for stopping all missile launchings, I believe there is a good chance that the North Koreans will come to the table.
North Korea’s nuclear program is nonnegotiable, it is a reality — it is its insurance policy against a military attack. Kim Jong Un does not wish to commit suicide and have his nation destroyed. So give a little in order to get a seat at the table.
Herb Hoffman has resided in Albuquerque for more than four years since moving from Maine. A retired clinical psychologist, Hoffman is a peace activist and political wonk.