Dealing with a Nuclear North Korea

• Session: Session III / Pavilion (Ronald Reagan Building)
• Date/Time: June 25, 2013 / 11:50-13:00

Panel Description

Nuclear North Korea is currently the most intractable problem in the world. Thus far, no effective solutions have been found and new ideas are few and far between. Confrontation has not been seriously considered for nearly two decades and engagement has proven to be of limited use, leaving increased isolation as the preferred alternative. However, patience is wearing thin with this approach. In the meantime, systematic human rights abuses continue throughout the country. Increased cooperation among the interested parties has long been sought, but that too has proved elusive. As the trilateral allies continue to closely coordinate their policies, China has long been thought to hold the key. With a new administration in China, there are some signs of change in China’s policy towards North Korea. If those changes do come, their extent may very well determine how the world deals with a nuclear North Korea over the coming decade.