Panel discussion: North Korea’s nuclear missile proliferation and geostrategic implications

The Centre for East Asian Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, organised a panel discussion titled “North Korea’s Nuclear Missile Proliferation and Geostrategic Implications” on 11 August 2023. The session brought together eminent scholars and practitioners from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) to engage students and

faculty in a comprehensive discussion on one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in contemporary international politics. 

The discussion commenced with Prof. Rajaram Nagappa, Former Associate Director at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, who spoke on North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Capability and Space Ventures. He outlined the technical evolution of North Korea’s ballistic missile programme and highlighted how prolonged international sanctions and perceived external threats have shaped Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear weapons as a means of self- security. Drawing comparisons with Iran, he emphasized the strategic logic behind nuclear deterrence for heavily sanctioned states and reflected on the growing concerns posed by North Korea’s missile testing and space ambitions.

Building on this technical foundation, Dr. Prakash Panneerselvam, Assistant Professor at ISSP, NIAS, delivered a presentation on Potential Conflict and Regional Security. His analysis focused on the broader security environment of the Korean Peninsula and East Asia, examining how a potential conflict involving North Korea could unfold. By drawing parallels with the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict, he highlighted the possibility of prolonged warfare, the significance of manpower and military numbers in land-based conflicts, and the implications such a scenario would have for regional actors, particularly South Korea and Japan. 

Dr M. Mayilvagnan, Assistant Professor at ISSP, NIAS, addressed the theme of US Engagement and the Proliferation Conundrum. He provided a historical overview of the United States North Korea relations, tracing diplomatic engagements, negotiations, and the repeated breakdown of denuclearisation talks. His presentation underscored the role of political elites and the Kim family in shaping North Korea’s nuclear trajectory, while also pointing to the deep-seated lack of trust that continues to undermine diplomatic efforts between Washington and Pyongyang, as well as between North and South Korea.

The final presentation was delivered by Dr Rudrodip Majumdar, Assistant Professor at EECP, NIAS, who offered an Evaluation of North Korea’s Nuclear Program. He examined the

motivations behind North Korea’s nuclear development, emphasising the opacity, mystery, andstrategic ambiguity that surround its programme. His analysis also touched upon North Korea’sexternal linkages, including allegations of nuclear trade with countries such as Pakistan, assistance from Russia in developing nuclear technology, and brief references to India’s past

trade interactions with North Korea.

The panel discussion collectively highlighted North Korea’s transformation into a major security concern for the United States and its allies in the post-Cold War era, the strained inter-

Korean relationship, and the strategic roles played by China and Russia in supporting or shielding Pyongyang. The interaction with students, primarily first-year and final-year MA

International Studies candidates, further enriched the session, as their questions reflected a keen engagement with issues of deterrence, diplomacy, and regional stability.

Overall, the event provided a multidimensional understanding of North Korea’s nuclear missile proliferation by integrating technical, political, historical, and strategic perspectives. It

underscored the urgency of sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperative international efforts to manage security risks in East Asia. More importantly, the session served as a important academic platform to sensitise future policymakers and scholars to the complexities of global security decision-making in an increasingly volatile international environment.