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Missile defense and strategic stability: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in South Korea

Journal Article · · Contemporary Security Policy
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD (United States). Center for International and Security Studies
  2. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States). National Security Services
+ Show Author Affiliations
South Korea is threatened by its troubled relationship with North Korea. North Korea possesses a large cache of missiles as well as chemical and biological weapons, and the future potential to mount nuclear weapons on its missiles. The United States is also challenged because of its defense commitments to Seoul. As a countermeasure, the United States and South Korea decided to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defenses in South Korea. However, China has objected. Chinese scholars believe the THAAD radar would be able to track Chinese inter-continental ballistic missiles, thereby weakening their deterrent. A technical analysis does not support this assertion. But, it is vital for South Korea, given its proximity and economic interdependence, to reassure China. The United States Forces Korea will deploy THAD and that is not a commitment by Seoul to become part of U.S.-led missile defenses in the Asia-Pacific.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-06NA25396
OSTI ID:
1352416
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--16-21377
Journal Information:
Contemporary Security Policy, Journal Name: Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 2017; ISSN 1352-3260
Publisher:
Taylor & FrancisCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (2)

Deterrence under nuclear asymmetry: THAAD and the prospects for missile defense on the Korean peninsula journal December 2018
The Influence of Animosity, Ethnocentric Tendencies, and National Attachment on Tourists’ Decision-Making Processes during International Conflicts journal October 2019

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Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
Ballistic missile defense
China
South Korea
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
extended deterrence
strategic stability