Every other month or so, it seems like North Korea makes its way into international headlines
with military drills and rocket launches.
Their rumored possession of nuclear weapons and their proximity to the US and their allies,
keep political tensions running high.
So where did it all begin?
How did it escalate to this point?
Here’s a brief timeline to help you figure it all out.
[1962-63] - In the early 1960’s, North Korea begins it’s hyper-militarization in response
to the Cold War arms race.
The USSR offers to help them develop nuclear power but not weapons.
[1985] After decades of nuclear development, North Korea consents to signing the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty but denies inspectors access to their nuclear sites.
The NPT, signed by 59 other nations, is a step towards nuclear disarmament.
[1992-94] A top Pakistani scientist allegedly sells nuclear weapon technology secrets to
North Korea.
[1992-3] United Nations officials attempt to inspect North Korean nuclear facilities,
but are blocked from certain sites.
Under suspicion, North Korea threatens to withdraw from the NPT.
[1994] In exchange for economic and energy support from the US, North Korea signs the
“Agreed Framework”, promising to dismantle its nuclear facilities.
[2000] North Korea accuses the US of not fulfilling their energy agreement fast enough, and threatens
to restart the nuclear program.
[2002-3] President George W. Bush calls North Korea a part of the “axis of evil”, and
US officials privately accuse North Korea of violating the 1994 agreement.
In response, North Korea withdraws from the NPT and declares to the US that it possesses
nuclear weapons.
[2006] North Korea announces they have successfully detonated a nuclear device underground.
Seismic readings and radioactive air quality samples support their claim.
The UN imposes heavy sanctions on the country.
[2007-2015] North Korea repeatedly uses their nuclear proliferation as a bargaining tool
in exchange for humanitarian aid from the US and UN, but neither side comes to a final
agreement.
[Today] Peace talks are almost at a stalemate, and North Korea continues to test rockets
and advance its nuclear proliferation goals.
Their increased isolation has given them the nickname the “Hermit Kingdom,” and international
sanctions have crippled their status in the world.
North Koreas notorious leader Kim Jong-un is one of the most interesting and protected
leaders in the world.
To get a better understanding of just who the dictator is, make sure to watch our video
here.
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