Introduction to the Conflict
The conflict between US-North Korea has been going on for a long time now. North Korea conducted nuclear tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017. Moreover, in 2017 it conducted its first successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach “anywhere in the world.”1 The latter half of 2017 saw a numerous exchange of threats between the leaders of state, that is President Donald Trump and President Kim-Jong Un.
The United States was threatened of a nuclear war in case it tried to overthrow President Kim from power. There were various rumors that North Korea was developing a ballistic missile that could reach the United States. The year of 2017, also saw the war of words between the two leaders of state, including the most popular one of Kim talking about how he had a nuclear button on his desk. Sanctions were imposed on North Korea in 2013 after a third nuclear test and were strengthened in 2016. Initially the sanctions banned only the trade of weapons, however, it soon extended to a ban on the trade of luxury goods, allowing screening of all North Korean ships for illicit weapons.
Early in 2018, the Whitehouse released a statement that the Us may be willing to arrive at a settlement with North Korea. This led to the two presidents meeting up in Singapore in June of 2018 which ended with Kim and Trump signing a settlement for denuclearization. In exchange for this, the US would “provide security guarantees.” In December of last year, President Trump also announced that a second meeting is likely between the two presidents in February of 2019. Despite the twitter wars and recurrent threats, the US is still negotiating with North Korea. In fact, Trump claims that “We are having a good relationship with Kim.”
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Relevant Domestic Actors
The key domestic interest groups in the conflict can be identified as the Leader of State, President Donald Trump, the economically interested groups as well as the general public of the United States.
Actor’s Interests
As the leader of a state, Trump’s interests lie in retaining power and continuing to be the President of the most powerful country in the world. Thereby, he has attempted to solve the conflicts with North Korea. Especially after the fall in his approval ratings after the recent government breakdown last year, only 34% of the US population approve of him as President while the remaining 65% disapprove of him. With the upcoming 2020 election, Trump might want to retain his popularity as a leader. This follows from the fact that, about 77% of the US population approved of Trump’s decision to meet Kim.
The rallying effect can be applied here, wherein leaders in order to gain support at home engage in an international crisis or war. However, in this case, Trump seems to be resolving a conflict in order to please the public. The economically interested entities can benefit by trading with North Korea and even investing there. Currently, due to the imposed sanctions, factories in North Korea lack basic raw materials. The import of petroleum has been limited while exports of materials like iron ore, seafood and textiles have been banned.8 Resolving the conflict, may result in removal of the sanctions thereby, benefitting the economically interested groups of the US.
Conclusion
Domestic interests or rallying often count as a small part of domestic politics. Most political leaders may not be that cynical as assumed to be. It is highly possible that the conflict was resolved to maintain denuclearization and peace in the world. Moreover, North Korea due to the trade sanctions lacked adequate medical facilities.8 Therefore, the conflict may also be resolved to remove sanctions and reopen trade for North Korea so as to benefit its citizens. The clear implications of domestic interests in foreign policy aren’t known, but we know that it plays some role in influencing decisions relating to war.
