A Study on the Development of Nuclear Deterrence on the Korean Peninsula through AI-Based Threat Prediction and Information Superiority: Focusing on the North Korean Nuclear Threat and U.S. Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper emphasizes that in a new strategic environment shaped by the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear weapons technologies, South Korea-as a non-nuclear statemust actively secure an AI-based nuclear deterrence capability.Major Powers such as the United States, China, and Russia are already integrating AI with low-yield nuclear weapons to build technologycentered deterrence systems.At the same time, North Korea continues to exacerbate the security imbalance on the Korean Peninsula through the miniaturization of nuclear warheads and the diversification of delivery systems.Currently, South Korea relies primarily on the U.S. nuclear umbrella as the foundation of its extended deterrence strategy, complemented by conventional forces and missile defense systems.However, this existing approach is showing increasing limitations in responding promptly to the rapidly evolving international security environment and North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities.In this context, South Korea needs to overcome its structural constraints as a non-nuclear state by establishing a deterrence strategy centered on AI-enabled surveillance, reconnaissance, and early-warning capabilities.AI-integrated systems can enable early detection of North Korean nuclear facilities, predict anomalies, and reduce the chances of a successful provocation.In addition, the use of U.S. low-yield nuclear weapons as a precise response option provides actual strike capability against North Korea's command facilities and tactical targets, thereby strengthening the credibility of deterrence.This approach moves beyond traditional force-centered deterrence, enabling information-driven deterrence and offering South Korea a pathway to achieve a "strategic balance without nuclear weapons" while positioning itself as a responsible tech-security state in the international community.
Authors: Seon Woong Kim, Young Seok Kwon
Institution: Daejeon University
Language: English
Topic: Nuclear Issues and Defense
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7083698076
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: