The “Domino Effect” has been updated for the modern era. On Tuesday, North Korea warned that South Korea’s new submarine deal would trigger a “nuclear domino” effect. This of the theory predicts nuclear proliferation rather than communist expansion, describing the deal as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation.”
The deal was announced last week by President Lee Jae Myung. It allows South Korea to expand its authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. North Korea predicts this will spark a “hot arms race,” creating a new kind of regional instability.
This modern fear surfaced just one day after Seoul proposed military talks. President Lee has sought to engage the North without preconditions, but the North is focused on the future threat. The submarine deal is seen as a catalyst for chaos.
The “nuclear domino” warning is a powerful image. North Korea is arguing that one submarine will lead to many nuclear weapons. This narrative attempts to scare the region into opposing the deal.
North Korea has yet to respond to the offer for military talks. The focus on the new domino effect suggests that old fears have new faces. The region contemplates the chain reaction.