Multilateralism in US Coercive Diplomacy to North Korea

This article discusses how both coercer and target states are using multilateral forums in the dynamic of coercive diplomacy. This research was intended to elaborate further the role of international aspect in the study of coercive diplomacy. International factor is considered as important in coercive diplomacy because other states’ support will determine the strength of both coercer state’s strategy and target state’s counterstrategy. However, this aspect is only one of some elements that altogether will affect the success of a coercive diplomacy. Interestingly, some cases have proven that international environment can be pivotal in determining the result of the action. This research confirmed that both the United State (US) and North Korea have been using multilateral forums to support their causes as coercer state and target state related to North Korea denuclearization. The US has mainly been using the United Nations (UN), Six Party Talks, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and World Food Program (WFP) to support its coercive actions on North Korea. Meanwhile, North Korea mostly has been using Six Party Talks and WFP to counter US’s pressures. Indeed, North Korea has strategically used both forums to cover its domestic weaknesses in support of its counterstrategy to US coercive diplomacy.