Book Review : How Jimmy Carter Saved the World From Nuclear War

Former U.S. diplomat's memoir of the 1994 nuclear crisis shows how peaceful dialogue can be more effective than simple sanctions.

By Bryon Wilfert

A Moment of Crisis: Jimmy Carter, The Power of a Peacemaker, and North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions
By Marion Creekmore, Jr.
Public Affairs Books
406pp. $32.50

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter's international initiative to North Korea was a monumental moment in history, which stopped a crisis that was becoming increasingly serious-he may, in fact, have stopped a war.

Twelve years ago in June 1994, Mr. Carter went to North Korea on a personal peacemaking mission. At the time, then-president Bill Clinton had major reservations about the trip, as did the South Korean government. The United States was preparing to strike the North's nuclear facilities, and neither side was talking to the other.

However, despite these doubts, Mr. Carter met Kim II Sung and their meeting proved to be a breakthrough. Essentially, they discussed and negotiated a deal which resulted in North Korea freezing its nuclear program in exchange for the United States' economic assistance. Kim II Sung agreed in principle to the deal and it served as the blueprint for the subsequent Agreed Framework. The U.S.-North Korea Agreed Framework, signed in October 1994, shut down the North Korean plutonium-based nuclear program for eight years.

Former American diplomat Marion V. Creekmore Jr., now a distinguished visiting professor of History and Political Science at Emory University, shares the tale of his journey with Mr. Carter on one of the most controversial peace missions of the former president's post-White House career in the recently released book, A Moment of Crisis: Jimmy Carter, The Power of a Peacemaker, and North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions. The book also includes an introduction by Mr. Carter himself.

In the wake of North Korea's recent nuclear threats, this book is very relevant and applicable to today in dealing with North Korea and other so-called "rogue regimes." This crisis has not gone away and has returned especially since U.S. President George W. Bush has called North Korea part of the 'axis of evil,' and North Korea has turned its nuclear facilities back on.

This book provides a helpful analysis of how the 1994 crisis resembles the situation today between the United States and North Korea. It provides a significant contribution to the literature on the 1994 crisis, and sheds light on how peaceful negotiations can prove to be successful. Lessons can be learned from the 1994 experience, which serves to educate the public on diplomatic resolutions.

The events detailed in A Moment of Crisis are based on a large amount of primary source material such as Mr. Carter's personal diary and makes it a fast-paced read. It also reveals the former president's personal thoughts at the time, and includes unedited details of his discussions with President Clinton, South Korean President Kim Yong-sam and North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.

A Moment of Crisis is essential reading for anyone interested in diplomacy and about the details of the 1994 crisis. This book is a rapid read, informative and is very timely.

Although the situation today is not exactly the same as it was 12 years ago and past actions may not be effective to the same extent, it is important that we remain open to other peaceful resolutions because threats of military action and sanctions are not always the best approach.

Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert is his party's Official Opposition Critic to Foreign Affairs (Asia-Pacific)
editor@embassymag.ca.