By Dean Divizio, Reporter

North Korea has been drawing attention to itself since last December, when it launched a rocket claiming to have put a satellite into orbit. On Feb. 12, North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test.

According to Armed Conflict teacher Javier Martinez, North Korea is essentially a child throwing a tantrum trying to draw attention to itself.

On Mar. 30, North Korea states that it is entering a “state of war” with South Korea.

“If they really wanted to, they could attack South Korea and start another Korean war. They could attack U.S. possessions in the Pacific, like the island of Guam, which is a large military base with a civilian population. Then they could reach Japan, which has a large role in the world’s economy,” Martinez said.

On Apr. 5, North Korea stated that it cannot guarantee the safety of foreign embassies.

South Korea says North Korea could be preparing another nuclear test.

“If they really wanted to do it, they could cause damage and effect the world’s economy,” Martinez said.

For U.S. citzens North Korea’s missiles aren’t a direct threat. From where they are located now, they  can reach an estimated 4,000km, which would place them in Northeast Russia.

“There is always a threat because North Korea is such a isolated society that I don’t think, a lot of what they do is based in reality. So they may not comprehend the danger of what they’re doing. There could always be a mistake or miscalculation,” Martinez said.

It’s possible that North Korea is bluffing and is only using their missiles as a way to force compliance of other countries.

“On a national level, I think North Korea is doing what North Korea has done for the last four decades which is threatening the world because they want something in return.They have a history of doing that; threatening to do something until the world does something for them,” Martinez said.