South Korea and the US Make a Nuclear Deal

Peter Zeihan 4 min

South Korea could build nuclear missiles on new submarines within a year, forcing Japan and Taiwan to follow suit. This decision might increase South Korean security but will come at the cost of introducing an arms race to the broader region.

Chapters

  1. 0:00

    The New Nuclear Agreement

    The US and South Korea agree to build nuclear submarines for Seoul's navy, a technology previously tightly restricted.

  2. 0:30

    Strategic Limitations of Nuclear Subs

    Nuclear subs offer indefinite range but provide little tactical advantage against North Korea's weak navy or in conventional missile exchanges. South Korea has repeatedly enriched uranium near weapons grade, allowing them to build nuclear weapons within weeks if needed.

  3. 2:55

    The Risk of Regional Escalation

    Introducing nukes to South Korea will inevitably force Japan and Taiwan to acquire them, sparking an arms race. This agreement may increase South Korean security but risks a broader regional arms race while the US steps back.

Key points

  • 0:00

    The US and South Korea agreed for Americans to build nuclear-powered submarines for the South Korean Navy.

  • 0:30

    Nuclear subs can stay underwater indefinitely, whereas conventional subs must surface regularly for fuel.

  • 0:30

    North Korea lacks a functional navy, making the strategic value of South Korean nuclear subs questionable.

  • 0:30

    South Korea has repeatedly enriched uranium to near-weapons grade levels over the last 40 years.

  • 2:55

    South Korea could mount nuclear missiles on these new submarines within a year.

  • 2:55

    Adding nukes to South Korea will force Japan and Taiwan to acquire them as well.

  • 2:55

    This agreement might increase South Korean security but will likely trigger a regional arms race.

  • 2:55

    The US is stepping back while potentially sparking an arms race in Northeast Asia.

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