Running out of (Strategic) Patience: Rethinking U.S. Policy Toward North Korea

The administrations of U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama failed to stop North Korean efforts to develop nuclear warheads and long-range missiles. While it is easy to criticize both administrations’ approaches, it is much harder to articulate an effective policy for the future. Are there any credible diplomatic approaches to containing North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs? Should the United States pursue a peace treaty with North Korea in return for denuclearization as part of a grand bargain? Would a more limited approach—such as a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests in exchange for aid—be achievable? Should the United States and its partners try to squeeze North Korea further financially? If so, how? Finally, should the United States and the Republic of Korea further bolster their defenses and alter their military strategy?