Sam Nunn
Founding Chair, NTI
In an op-ed published by CNN.com, NTI Co-Chairmen Sam Nunn and Ernest J. Moniz call for leaders in China and the United States to pursue diplomatic efforts with North Korea.
“The United States and North Korea are increasingly at risk of military conflict — most probably through an accident or miscalculation, but possibly a deliberate decision,” Nunn and Moniz wrote.
The authors called attention to the shrinking window of opportunity to puruse a diplomatic solution: “Opportunities for diplomacy are narrowing. Leaders from the United States, South Korea and Japan have recently stated now is not the time for dialogue with Pyongyang — even though any strategy other than war for halting and reversing North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs must, at some point, include talks.”
The authors highlighted the devastating consequences that a conflict on the Korean Peninsula may create, saying: Today’s growing dangers require a policy response that minimizes the risk of a catastrophic conflict, both directly from North Korea’s nuclear and missile program and from our attempts to halt its progress.
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“At a time when the geopolitical environment is increasingly dangerous and complex, dialogue—including between competitors—is critical for managing risks and ensuring stability,” said NTI President and CEO Christine E. Wormuth.
The US must act with urgency and seriousness over the next 60 days to forge an agreement that closes off all pathways to a nuclear bomb.
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