Bush's Stand on North Korea: A Joke?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the U.S. administration's approach to North Korea, particularly under President Bush, focusing on diplomatic strategies, the implications of unilateral versus multilateral negotiations, and the perceived effectiveness of current policies. Participants explore the historical context of negotiations, the role of international partners, and the consequences of the administration's stance on diplomacy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants criticize Bush's refusal to engage in diplomacy with North Korea, labeling it as a "go-it-alone" policy that undermines international cooperation.
  • Others point out that while Bush supports the six-party talks, North Korea prefers one-on-one negotiations, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current diplomatic strategy.
  • There are arguments suggesting that avoiding direct talks with North Korea may be due to a desire to maintain a perception of legitimacy and avoid the appearance of negotiating as equals.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of sanctions, noting the challenges posed by North Korea's relationships with China and Russia.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of unilateral discussions, including the perception of equality between the U.S. and North Korea and the impracticality of such an approach in broader international relations.
  • Participants discuss the potential benefits of a strong diplomatic corps compared to military action, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and humanitarian aspects of diplomacy.
  • There is a recognition that effective diplomacy requires some form of power, whether economic or military, to be taken seriously on the global stage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on the best approach to North Korea. Some advocate for increased diplomacy, while others defend the current administration's strategy. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness and implications of the various proposed approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the current diplomatic approach, including the loss of goodwill with international partners and the complexities of negotiating with North Korea. There are also unresolved questions about the motivations behind the administration's policies and the potential consequences of different negotiation strategies.

  • #31
Astro, could you throw in the link to the article?
 
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  • #32
Gokul43201 said:
Astro, could you throw in the link to the article?

North Korea sells arms to Ethiopia with U.S. OK

John Bolton was right about something for once.

It does reflect a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy, but this particular deal hurts anti-nuclear proliferation more than it helps in Somalia.
 
  • #33
Not to deflect this thread, and maybe it should become a new one addressing my question which is: has there been any instance in the past 100 years where we supported a gov't that was socialist or communist? By supported I do not mean providing financial aid or other inducements? I mean simply engaging in reasonable negotiations without threat of force, like you might with a neighbor across the fence in the backyard. Heaven help me, i don't see it. I remember the SALT talks with USSR, which might remotely fall under this definition. Help me, because I have seen neither a peace dividend nor a more stable world after USSR ceased to be the bad guy. Hell now the French and Germans are bad guys because they don't completely accept our positions on foreign policy. Proliferation via Packistan has made the world more dangerous. Now they are a friend with even greater exchange of technology in the offing.

The Irani's are now trumpeting their 300 centrifuges to produce "energy".
Where did we go wrong?
 
  • #34
denverdoc said:
The Irani's are now trumpeting their 300 centrifuges to produce "energy".
Where did we go wrong?
We have gone wrong every time monied interests in control of aspects of our government have chosen profit and expediency instead of ethics, morality, and sound policies regarding the future of the human race. Whenever a politician tells us that we must aggressively oppose another country on the basis of ideology or some perceived threat, it's time to take off the blinders and start following the money. Jingoism and flag-waving are the clearest signs that our politicians are engaging in behavior that is detrimental to most of us, and financially beneficial to their handlers.
 

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