Khabar Online – A reader in the comparative and international politics of western Asia at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London says “The crisis on the Korean peninsula has intensified because of two factors."

Arshin Adib-Moghaddam added that the increasing competition of China and the United States in eastern Asia and the ascendancy to power of Kim Jong Un whose regime is supported by China due to ideological and strategic reasons. In an exclusive interview with the Khabar Online, Arshin Adib-Moghaddam also said, “North Korea needs to be reassured that if it is to give up its nuclear weapons it will gain, not loose in security, sovereignty and international legitimacy,”

Following is the text of the interview:

Q: Why the crisis on the Korean peninsula has intensified?

A: The crisis on the Korean peninsula has intensified because of two factors: The increasing competition of China and the United States in eastern Asia and the ascendancy to power of Kim Jong Un whose regime is supported by China due to ideological and strategic reasons. Kim Jong Un is adamant to demonstrate that he is in charge, both to domestic constituencies, in particular the powerful and influential army, and of course South Korea and the United States. This crisis, like any other conflict in world politics, can only be solved by a strategic, intelligent and long term diplomatic strategy that is embedded in a discourse devoid of threats and militarism. North Korea needs to be reassured that if it is to give up its nuclear weapons it will gain, not loose in security, sovereignty and international legitimacy. Kim Jong Un must be provided with the niche to get out of this crisis without loosing face.

Q: What is your prediction about this crisis?

A: As it stands, I don't see a war looming on the horizon, but the countries involved in the stand-off have brought us too close to an escalation. The more they use the language of threats, the more difficult it will get to step back.

Arshin Adib-Moghaddam is reader in the comparative and international politics of western Asia at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is the author of several books including “Iran in World Politics: The Question of the Islamic Republic” and “A Metahistory of the Clash of Civilisations”.

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