Local Expert Chimes In On Developments In North Korea
by KYW's David Madden
CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) -- So how should we deal with the claim from North Korea that it tested a hydrogen bomb?
A local expert suggests that, true or not, the world cannot dismiss the country's contention out of hand.
Nick Kapur is an Assistant Professor of History at Rutgers-Camden who follows developments in North Korea closely. He believes the country's claim that they tested a hydrogen bomb is meant more for its own people as opposed to the rest of the planet.
He believes the country's claim that they tested a hydrogen bomb is meant more for its own people as opposed to the rest of the planet.
"The world has to take this seriously," Kapur told KYW Newsradio. "Clearly some sort of test happened but at the same time it is propaganda as well."
That propaganda could center on anything from trying to influence national elections in May to celebrating the birthday of strongman leader Kim Jong-un this week.
Kapur notes the North Koreans have conducted recent tests like this every 3 to 4 years. He believes the dictator may be trying, again, to grab international attention.
He believes the dictator may be trying, again, to grab international attention.
So what can other nations do short of a military strike? Not much, Kapur says, with one exception. "China is keeping the country afloat," he says. "I mean, it's basically a failed state at this point and without the support of China, North Korea everyone believes and I agree, it would quickly collapse."
Not much, Kapur says, with one exception. "China is keeping the country afloat," he says. "I mean, it's basically a failed state at this point and without the support of China, North Korea everyone believes and I agree, it would quickly collapse."
He believes the Chinese government could exert strong influence on the regime any time it wanted.
