American Citizens Detained in North Korea and their Potential Impact on U.S. Policy
Beginning with the detention of Euna Lee and Lisa Ling, holding American citizens has become a frequent irritant in America’s relationship with North Korea.
Beginning with the detention of Euna Lee and Lisa Ling, holding American citizens has become a frequent irritant in America’s relationship with North Korea.
The two Koreas have embarked on a trust-building process after years of confrontation which drove the peninsula to the brink of war.
Humanitarian engagement with North Korea offers real possibilities that could be helpful in the process of demonstrating U.S. sincerity.
China, might not have been mentioned in the North-South summit talks, but one can bet its influence on Kim’s decision to make the trip south was paramount.
The April 27 summit was full of symbolism, imagery, and rhetoric. That should not be brushed aside to look for “real” progress. Symbolism is important in itself.
In what is being hailed as a significant step by the United States and South Korea, North Korea has announced that it has suspended missile tests and will shut down its nuclear test site. While seemingly an important step towards denuclearization, the move by North Korea only affirms prior statements by the regime.
While there is an argument that the U.S. strike on Syria will deter it, in reality the strike is likely to have little impact on North Korea’s calculus.
North Korea’s strategy is likely to exploit nuclear weapons as a deterrence against American and South Korean retaliation to its own aggressions.
Ahead of negotiations, the North Korean government can boost their credibility by proactively addressing nuclear safety and security.
If the current break continues past the proposed Trump-Kim summit in May, it could potentially be the fourth longest gap in missile testing.