Why North Korea's next nuclear test could lead to war

Testing a nuke above ground could be catastrophic. Here's why.

A North Korean missile launch.
(Image credit: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

I don't sleep well these days. My mind is consumed with thoughts of what could happen if my greatest fear comes true: that North Korea makes the tragic mistake of conducting the first atmospheric nuclear weapons test since 1980, spreading radioactive fallout throughout the Pacific Ocean and eventually around the world.

But it isn't the test that scares me — it's what happens afterwards that gives me cold sweats.

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Harry J. Kazianis

Harry J. Kazianis is director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, founded by former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon.