Paper Coalitions and Toothless Tigers
By E. Ralph Hostetter (10/19/06)
North Korea captured the headlines of the world recently with the announcement that it had successfully tested its first nuclear device on October 9, 2006.
A debate followed with regard to its yield (explosive force), measured in kilotons (equivalent to 1,000 tons of TNT), the measurement used for the destructive power of an atomic bomb since America's first atomic weapon, measuring 20 kilotons (20,000 tons of TNT), was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945.
Measurements of yield ranged from 5 to 15 kilotons, as calculated by the Russians, to a low of 0.55 kilotons by JANE’S DEFENSE WEEKLY, a highly regarded United Kingdom publication. United States authorities said the yield was less than one kiloton.
Regardless of the yield of what one wag called an "atomic firecracker," North Korea has made a statement. It can produce an atomic weapon.
The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously for Resolution 1718 on October 14, 2006, imposing economic sanctions against North Korea.
Sound familiar?
From this UN “coalition of the questionable," South Korea (understandably), Russia and the People's Republic of China already have opted out of any involvement militarily against North Korea.
United States experience with military coalitions in recent years is best illustrated by the "coalition of the willing" in the present Iraq War.
Initially, the 32-nation coalition provided 22,000 "troops" with five nations contributing more than 1,000 each, as follows: United Kingdom, 7,500; Australia, 1,250 naval and land troops; Republic of Korea, 3,300 troops; Netherlands, 1,345 combat troops; Italy, 1,800 troops. Four nations contributed 500 to 800 troops; 14 nations provided 100 to 485 troops; and nine nations provided 70 or fewer troops.
Remaining today: United States with 141,000 troops; UK with 7,500; Australia, 1,250; South Korea, 2,300; and 17 other nations with a total of 3,000-plus troops, for a grand army of 155,000, of which the United States provides 92 percent.
America must face reality: confrontation with both North Korea and Iran well may develop.
What nation or nations will take the lead and provide the muscle for this event? Will it be the United Kingdom? How about France? Certainly the combined might of the European Union will come forth. How about our closest neighbor, Canada?
More likely there will be a coalition of one — the United States, wearing its new and unsought crown of Pax Americana.
Pax Romano, Roman peace, worked well in the first centuries of the millennium following the birth of Christ. It spread civilization and contributed enormously to arts and architecture and, most importantly, introduced the rule of law.
Pax Britannia followed centuries later through the use of Great Britain’s sea power. It likewise spread western civilization and its bounty of culture to the world. Its most important contribution was the concept of liberty under law, following the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.
The United States, like it or not, stands alone in the world today - friendless, for the most part. There is no other super power.
How the United States handles this unwelcome role will determine the future of the entire world. Will the world sink into terrorism and the genocide of the Middle East or will it build on the freedom, liberty and democracy America always has proclaimed?
America relies heavily on its military influence.
However, there is another influence, properly managed, that could offer great help in developing substantial alliances.
America possesses the most powerful economy in the world. Our national productivity surpasses that of all other countries.
Free trade flourishes. However, free trade is creating a radical imbalance of payments in America’s increasing international business.
It seems with China, in particular, America provides all the "free" and China gets all the trade.
An old capitalist proverb may well apply here: "When you've got them by their wallets, their hearts and minds will follow."
Hefty tariffs placed on all Chinese imports are bound to get their attention. In fact, faced with an alternative such as the tariffs, they may well become a strong U.S. ally in any future confrontation with North Korea.
Tariffs could also be a partial payback for China's manipulation of its currency against the U.S. dollar.
U.S. industries which have moved manufacturing facilities overseas in order to take advantage of serf wages will scream the loudest.
Adding substantial tariffs to imported products should come as no surprise. Tariffs were placed on imported steel within the last year to combat unfair competition. Domestic steel production rose substantially, raising profits. Steel share prices on the Stock Exchange rose dramatically.
There are many other ways in which America’s economic power could be used to great advantage to encourage other nations to make a greater contribution to military coalitions of the future. The use of military influence costs American lives. The use of economic influence no doubt would save American lives.
The United States should not overlook the fact that Iran is monitoring every move America makes with respect to its relationship with North Korea.
E. Ralph Hostetter, a prominent businessman and publisher, also is an award-winning columnist and Vice Chairman of the Free Congress Foundation Board of Directors.
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