Part 7/10:
The population is largely aware of North Korea’s nuclear status; many citizens are taught to see nuclear weapons as a point of national pride. The leadership claims these arsenals are vital for regime survival, framing denuclearization negotiations as a threat to their security. As a result, the possibility of North Korea willingly relinquishing nuclear weapons seems highly unlikely under current circumstances. The regime perceives nuclear arms as the ultimate guarantee of safety and sovereignty, thereby perpetuating an ongoing arms race with the West.