Japan, South Korea: Nuclear Ambitions Amidst Global Power Shifts?

• Ukraine's regret over renouncing nuclear weapons highlights the security dilemma for non-nuclear states.
• South Africa uniquely dismantled its nuclear program, advocating for disarmament, while other nations expand arsenals.
• Japan and South Korea, technically capable, face escalating regional threats from China and North Korea, questioning US security guarantees.
• Japan, a 'latent nuclear power,' could develop weapons quickly if political will shifts, despite pacifist constitution and public sentiment.
• South Korea debates nuclear options, including tactical nukes or US deployments, due to North Korean threats, despite non-proliferation commitments.

Why It Matters: Geopolitical shifts and regional threats are pushing Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear weapon development.