2016 DPRK nuclear weapon tests : the dilemmas of the giants

Abstract

The stability in Northeast Asia seems to be constantly in turmoil because many actors in the region are pursuing their own agendas to increase their security. After the first nuclear test by the DPRK in 2016, the United States came to an agreement with Republic of Korea to deploy THAAD in July 2016. Rather than receiving a warm welcome, the deployment caused a hostility between China and the US. Therefore, this research seeks to analyze how the DPRK nuclear test in 2016 causes an increase in great power politics in the Northeast Asia. To address the issue, the author utilizes a theory and a number of concepts. Based on the theory of security dilemma and the concept of security paradox, the author found that THAAD deployment actually worsens the stability of the region. Then, dilemma of interpretation and dilemma of response helps the author in analyzing China’s response after the announcement of THAAD deployment plan. Lastly, the concept of great power politics explains how the dilemma develops into a situation where the US and China, are filled with a sense of anxiety against each other. The author also applies qualitative research method coupled with two separate methods to analyze the data; secondary analysis on qualitative data and narrative analysis. In the end, the author conclude that the US attempts to improve the security of its country and its allies after DPRK nuclear tests in 2016 precipitate a hostile reaction from China which leads to an increase of power politics between China and the US in Northeast Asia.