Rob York is director for regional affairs at the Pacific Forum. He previously worked as a production editor for The South China Morning Post and chief editor of NK News. He is also a Ph.D. candidate in Korean history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Narrative that US failed to respond to DPRK efforts to normalize ties distorts the picture of Kim Jong Un’s intentions
North Korea had no backup after talks with US collapsed and has not pursued options that could help end its isolation
Denuclearizing the DPRK is secondary to the greater goal of preserving South Korea’s democracy and economy
Dropping demands that DPRK denuclearize will only facilitate its hostile geopolitical ambitions, not peace
How Washington handles adversaries like Iran, Cuba and Venezuela sends message to Pyongyang and world about its motives
Hawks and doves often believe the worst about each other, leading to unrealistic prognostications and poor policy
Elections tend to feature progressives who don’t get the DPRK and reactionaries out of step with 21st-century values
Biden has prioritized China over the DPRK, and Beijing and Moscow have shown no urgency on denuclearization
New capabilities may not radically alter status quo, but experts underscore urgent need for dialogue with Pyongyang
North Korea has historically entered into agreements without intending to keep them
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