While it is correct that sovereign countries do in principle have the right to pursue civilian nuclear energy programs for peaceful purposes, those rights are guaranteed to states who also sign on to international conventions and protocols. North Korea has proven on its own that it violates rules and principles, and therefore has forsaken those so-called rights through its own actions.

127

Undoubtedly North Korea thinks it will be able to reach a very specific deal with the United States and then force all the other countries to come along.

122