Crisis in Korea:
Faculty and students voice their concerns
Amid soaring tension and bellicose, saber-rattling statements, the Korean peninsula continues to inch closer to a military conflict. Hawks from both the United States and North Korea are openly calling for war, while calmer leaders have—so far—been able to keep the peace. We asked faculty and students about their worries concerning North Korea and the possibility of war.
We have compiled a list of common fears and reassurances regarding North Korea presented in national media recently
| Fear: North Korea is engaged in unusual levels of bellicose warmongering. (Reuters) | Reassurance: The rhetoric from the north is nothing new. (CNN) |
| Fear: The North has nuclear weapons at its disposal. (The Atlantic) | Reassurance: The North’s nuclear capacities are overstated. (NY Times) |
| Fear: North Korea has the 4th largest army in the world. (U.S. Dept. of Defense) | Reassurance: The United States has an even larger army. (Wikipedia) |
| Fear: The crisis in Korea is the worst it has been since the end of the cold war. (NBC) | Reassurance: The U.S. is doing its best to defuse the crisis. (CNN) |
| Fear: Kim Jong-Un has painted himself into a corner with his saber-rattling. (Time) | Reassurance: The young leader is simply trying to make himself appear strong to the North’s military brass. |
Student Survey
Don Gilman / Mainstream
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“It is something people should worry about. North Korea and South Korea have been having problems for years. They go way back. North Korea hates the U.S. and I am sure they are going to do something.” —Art Ramirez, Pre-Med Student |
Don Gilman / Mainstream
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“I would be amazed if Kim Jong Un and his fellow leaders would dare to launch a missile attack that would bring the full wrath of the United States. It’s unthinkable that they would be that delusional.” —Charles Young, UCC History Professor |
Don Gilman / Mainstream
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“I think there’s a good chance they are going to attempt something. I don’t think it’s all threats. I believe there is something brewing. We should be watching and we should be ready. I think there’s a lot more going on than we’re hearing about.” —Susan Erickson, Viticulture Student. |