One option put forward to address North Korea's nuclear program is a hard embargo where all shipping into and out of North Korea would be blocked.

North Korea has conducted its fifth nuclear test, the second test in less than a year. In combination with its efforts to advance its ballistic missile programs and develop second strike capabilities, Pyongyang has demonstrated that it is committed to developing a usable nuclear warhead in spite of international pressure to halt its programs and return to talks. In light of this, the question remains how the international community should respond.

What are the practical implications of the U.S. Treasury Department designating North Korea a primary money laundering concern?

While addressing the North Korean economy’s need for reliable sources of energy would be a key part of any economic revival in North Korea, the emphasis on nuclear power suggests that the North Korea is less interested in economic development than the rhetoric might indicate.

Trump’s comments raise a series of questions in regards to the conditions under which he would be willing to speak with Kim Jong-un.

In an important and timely new book, non-proliferation expert Mark Fitzpatrick, explores Asia’s latent nuclear powers and the prospects of South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan going nuclear.