Country Resources

In each U.S. administration, author Joel Wit analyzes those officials who believed it was possible to find a diplomatic solution to the North Korean problem and those whose skepticism was unbound.

As the two sides advance their missile programs, talks to reduce Korean peninsula tensions seem unlikely. 

Leader Kim Jong Un said he is open to talks if Washington drops its demand for denuclearization.

Pyongyong acted after criticizing Washington for conducting a drill that simulated a North Korean nuclear strike on the U.S. homeland.

Some of the disruption could lead to arms control talks with China or a nuclear agreement with North Korea but it could also drive South Korea or Japan to acquire nuclear weapons.

The president did not provide details regarding his approach to addressing the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang.

Although abandoned in 2024, the Korean Comprehensive Military Agreement served as a significant arms control measure when it was in effect.

A top North Korean official threatened to escalate Pyongyong’s nuclear program after a U.S. aircraft carrier 
visited South Korea.   

The Trump administration reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to total North Korean denuclearization; Pyongyang said the goal is impossible.

Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached after his short-lived declaration of martial law sparked protests across the country, and less than two weeks later, his acting successor was ousted as well. 

North Korea also ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, as Japan, South Korea, and the United States announced a new mechanism for monitoring Pyongyang’s sanctions evasion. 

A North Korean official said the election will not influence its approach to engagement with the United States and blamed Washington for escalating regional tensions. 

In addition to revealing a uranium-enrichment facility and a new, larger launch vehicle for long-range missiles, leader Kim Jong Un pledged to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal. 

North Korea deployed launchers for nuclear-capable missiles along its southern border after South Korea and the United States announced new guidelines for strengthening U.S. extended nuclear deterrence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defense treaty as Russia continues to court North Korean support for its war in Ukraine.