ASSESSING THE UTILITY OF SANCTIONS: HALTING NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN NORTH KOREA AND IRAN

Abstract

The aftermath of World-War One indicated a pivotal change in the course of global history, initiating the era of nuclear weapons. US set this trend by becoming the first nation to use a nuclear weapon against another country i.e. Japan. Subsequently, other major world powers, including the Soviet Union, Britain, France and China, followed suit, solidifying their status as recognized nuclear states. However, the proliferation of nuclear ambitions extended beyond these five powers. Nations such as Pakistan and India successfully joined the nuclear club in 1998, while others like Iran, North Korea and Israel have been embroiled in their pursuit of these formidable weapons. Originally launched for ostensibly peaceful purposes, the nuclear programs of both DPRK and Iran have been subjected to contentious scrutiny by the global community, especially the United States. Despite efforts to engage in diplomatic negotiations, the US has encountered challenges in reaching agreements with these nations, leading to mounting concerns over their nuclear intentions. To deter their progress, the U.S has resorted to a variety of measures, including economic sanctions, trade restrictions, travel bans, and embargoes. This paper aims to shed light on the nuclear arms program of DPRK and the Islamic Republic of Iran, examining the effectiveness of the imposed sanctions. Employing an exploratory research method and drawing data from secondary sources, we will delve into the intricacies of their nuclear pursuits. It is important to note that the recommendations presented in this study are subjective and represent the authors' viewpoints, and not definitive conclusions.