with military drills and rocket launches. Their rumored possession of nuclear weapons

and their proximity to the US and their allies, keep political tensions running high. So where

did it all begin? How did it escalate to this point? Here’s a brief timeline to help you

figure it all out.

[1962-63] - In the early 1960’s, North Korea begins it’s hyper-militarization in response

to the Cold War arms race. The USSR offers to help them develop nuclear power but not

weapons.

[1985] After decades of nuclear development, North Korea consents to signing the Nuclear

Non-Proliferation Treaty but denies inspectors access to their nuclear sites. The NPT, signed

by 59 other nations, is a step towards nuclear disarmament.

[1992-94] A top Pakistani scientist allegedly sells nuclear weapon technology secrets to

North Korea.

[1992-3] United Nations officials attempt to inspect North Korean nuclear facilities,

but are blocked from certain sites. Under suspicion, North Korea threatens to withdraw

from the NPT.

[1994] In exchange for economic and energy support from the US, North Korea signs the

“Agreed Framework”, promising to dismantle its nuclear facilities.

[2000] North Korea accuses the US of not fulfilling their energy agreement fast enough, and threatens

to restart the nuclear program.

[2002-3] President George W. Bush calls North Korea a part of the “axis of evil”, and

US officials privately accuse North Korea of violating the 1994 agreement. In response,

North Korea withdraws from the NPT and declares to the US that it possesses nuclear weapons.

[2006] North Korea announces they have successfully detonated a nuclear device underground. Seismic

readings and radioactive air quality samples support their claim. The UN imposes heavy

sanctions on the country.

[2007-2015] North Korea repeatedly uses their nuclear proliferation as a bargaining tool

in exchange for humanitarian aid from the US and UN, but neither side comes to a final

agreement.

[Today] Peace talks are almost at a stalemate, and North Korea continues to test rockets

and advance its nuclear proliferation goals. Their increased isolation has given them the

nickname the “Hermit Kingdom,” and international sanctions have crippled their status in the

world.

North Koreas notorious leader Kim Jong-un is one of the most interesting and protected

leaders in the world. To get a better understanding of just who the dictator is, make sure to

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