Session: Session 3 / Grand Ballroom III
Date/Time: April 30, 2013 / 14:00-15:15

Panel Description

Despite international condemnation and sanctions, North Korea continues to push ahead with its plans to become a recognized nuclear weapons state. Amongst the implications of North Korea’s entry into the nuclear club, is the danger that more states in the region might go nuclear. This could lead to the failure of broader efforts of the international community to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. At this critical juncture, with Northeast Asia poised between the global push for nonproliferation and a potential nuclear breakout, this panel will examine the likely thresholds and hurdles that face each of the region’s powers. Can Asia’s extensive nuclear energy infrastructure be harnessed for solely peaceful use or will it be the springboard for a dangerous slide into Cold War-era hostilities?

Guiding Questions

1. 1. What options remain for dealing with a nuclear North Korea and which measures should be taken at this critical juncture?
2. 2. Considering the current nonproliferation regime, will a nuclear domino effect actually take place in this region?
3. 3. What measures can be taken to prevent this from becoming a reality?