Western Approaches to Nuclear Non-Proliferation: Comparing the Cases of Iran and South Korea

This paper examines the cases of nuclear non-proliferation in Iran and South Korea, focusing on the Western approach toward these cases. Both Iran and South Korea were found to be non-compliant with the International Atomic Energy Agency's regulations. Although the nature and level of non-compliance were similar, the cases were resolved differently, with South Korea's case being closed shortly after the resolution of their non-compliance issues. This research aims to investigate the differing outcomes of the nuclear cases of Iran and South Korea. Specifically, this study analyzes the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency on the non-compliance of Iran and South Korea, as well as the positions of Western countries during the conferences of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Through this analysis, the study concludes that the primary reason for the divergent outcomes is not related to the political systems or relationships of Iran and South Korea with the West but rather to the differing approaches of the West towards these cases.