Even if your analysis Ricky that it would never be rational for the US to use force to stop North Korea from developing ICBMs is right that really doesn't matter if North Korea and/or China is convinced he will. Because then it would not be worth it for them to develop ICBMs (see RJ's point about considering the other side's downside). This is a matter of psychology. Regardless of whether Trump would use military force or not, he needs to convince NK and/or China that he will. If is able to do that...he will win. And his unpredictability must give Kim Jong Un pause. He likely game-planned like you did, it will be too risky for the US to do anything. But how sure is he that Trump will analyze like he did or just decide to use military force, anyway?
We have to do everything we can to demonstrate we will use military force, regardless of whether in the final analysis we will. I still think we should anyway...but the psychological aspect is key to a successful bloodless outcome.
We have to do everything we can to demonstrate we will use military force, regardless of whether in the final analysis we will. I still think we should anyway...but the psychological aspect is key to a successful bloodless outcome.