The impact of the North Korean nuclear crisis on Northeast Asia

Abstract

The DPRK's nuclear issue is difficult to be managed in a peaceful way because of the negative aspects of nuclear proliferation, unacceptable not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the international community. North Korea, the U.S., Japan, and Russia have sharply divided views on the solution to North Korea's nuclear issue. In particular, given the bilateral and multilateral talks in history, despite small progress, it seems that the U.S. and North Korea cannot bridge the gap of understanding. Therefore, this study comes to the conclusion that nuclear issues cannot be resolved under the mistrust that has lasted for half a century, given that North Korea and the U.S. consider each other archrivals. Even though it will take a long time, scaling down the deep-rooted mistrust through "negotiations" and "engagement" remains the most realistic option for both sides. Changing leadership in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea will usher related parties into another chapter of opportunity to end the North Korean nuclear conundrum - this time, surely with more carrots than sticks.ABSTRACT