It is time to reevaluate America’s North Korean policy

Most recently, the April 13 failed missile launch has affirmed where our priorities lie – in pursuit of a false sense of stability. North Korea’s actions were in direct violation of several UN Security Council resolutions and blatantly flaunted its indifference to the Leap Day Agreement. The world’s reaction? A few statements of disapproval and a reiteration of the importance of re-entering talks.

Unfortunately, the international community’s pursuit of stability by perpetuating this cycle only serves to foster mounting instability.

{mosads}With each failed launch, North Korea learns from its mistakes building up to the moment when they will have fully functional ballistic missile capabilities. Additionally, there are growing expectations that North Korea will conduct a third nuclear test in May reinforcing the idea that North Korea believes there are no consequences for its provocation.

North Korea’s eventual competency in nuclear and ballistic missile technology will not be a contained threat. It’s a sure bet that fellow rogue regimes like Iran and Syria will benefit from shared weapons technology and collaboration on proliferation efforts. What message does our complacency with North Korea send to similar adversaries?

This cycle of false stability also cripples any hope that the North Korean people will rise up against the regime. The inability of the international community to effectively punish the regime when it lashes out legitimizes its power in the eyes of its people.

It is evident that the Administration’s reliance on continuing this diplomatic cycle contributes to a false sense of stability and false hope for small victories in negotiations. Appeasement through engagement will only ensure that North Korea remains a breeding ground for long term instability in the region for decades to come. It is time to reevaluate and change course.

Rep. Johnson (R-Ohio) represents Ohio’s 6th Congressional District.