On 19 September 2017, US President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations to discuss the
position of the United States in relation to, inter alia, the North Korean crisis. This is an extract from
his speech (full speech available at https://www.vox.com/policy-andpolitics/2017/9/19/16333290/trump-full-speech-transcript-un-general-assembly):
“No nation on Earth has an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons
and missiles. The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or
its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Rocket Man is on a suicide
mission for himself and for his regime. The United States is ready, willing, and able, but hopefully
this will not be necessary. That's what the United Nations is all about. That's what the United
Nations is for. Let's see how they do.”
Critically discuss these statements from an international point of view, taking into account issues
related to the use of force, as well as to the role played by the United Nations in this respect.
Sample Solution