Policy Forum

This essay was contributed by Kim Myong Chol, Executive Director, the Center for Korean-American Peace, Tokyo, and the former editor of People’s Korea. Kim argues that for the US to truly improve relations with the DPRK, it should abandon its long-standing support for the ROK. He maintains that the only alternatives to full normalization of relations with the DPRK are war or a nuclear arms race.

This essay was contributed by John Feffer and Karin Lee, representatives for the East Asia Quaker International Affairs Program of the American Friends Service Committee. The authors argue that opponents of engagement with the DPRK miss signs of genuine change within the country. They maintain that change in the DPRK should not be compared with that of other countries, as the DPRK remains primarily concerned with preserving its sovereignty. Nonetheless, they argue, the changes are real and long-term, and understanding them will enhance the ability for the US to engage the DPRK in a mutually beneficial manner.

Nautilus Institute Policy Forum Online: Discussion of “The Road from Berlin” Nautilus Institute Policy Forum Online: Discussion of “The Road from Berlin” PFO 99-07E: September 28, 1999 Discussion of “The Road from Berlin” By Nicholas Eberstadt, American Enterprise Institute Copyright (c) 1999 Nautilus of America/The Nautilus Institute CONTENTS I. Introduction II. Comments on Nicholas Eberstadt’s […]

Nautilus Institute Policy Forum Online: Discussion of “Berlin: What have we learned and where do we go from here?” Nautilus Institute Policy Forum Online: Discussion of “Berlin: What have we learned and where do we go from here?” PFO 99-07D: September 27, 1999 Discussion of “Berlin: What have we learned and where do we go […]

This essay was contributed by Jon Brook Wolfsthal, an associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in Washington, DC, and a former official of the US Department of Energy. This article was originally published in the Christian Science Monitor on September 21, 1999. Wolfstahl argues that the recent Berlin agreement between the US and the DPRK represents an opportunity to improve US-DPRK relations. He faults the Clinton administration for only concentrating on the DPRK when it takes provocative actions, and argues that, to prevent future tension, the US should move ahead to improve relations as it promised to do in 1994.

This essay was contributed by Nicholas Eberstadt, a researcher with the American Enterprise Institute and author of the forthcoming book, “The End of North Korea.” A version of this essay ran in the Chosun Ilbo on September 13. Eberstadt argues that the recent US-DPRK agreement is unlikely to lead to an opening of relations and an end of the DPRK’s missile program. He notes that for the DPRK to open up to outside trade and investment would go against its ruling philosophy. He also argues that the DPRK sees missile and nuclear development as vital to its national interests, and thus is unlikely to trade them for better relations with the US.

This essay was written by Victor Cha, Professor in the Department of Government at Georgetown University and author of “Alliance Despite Antagonism: The United States-Korea-Japan Security Triangle.” Cha argues that the outcome of the recent US-DPRK Berlin talks demonstrates the possibility of engaging the DPRK under the right circumstances. He further argues that enhanced deterrence through ROK participation in Theater Missile Defense will help promote engagement by assuring DPRK adherence to the agreement.

Nautilus Institute Policy Forum Online: Response to Haksoon Paik’s Essay Nautilus Institute Policy Forum Online: Response to Haksoon Paik’s Essay PFO 99-06B: June 16, 1999 Response to Haksoon Paik’s Essay By Kim Myong Chol Copyright (c) 1999 Nautilus of America/The Nautilus Institute CONTENTS I. Introduction II. Comments by Kim Myong Chol III. Nautilus Invites Your […]

Paik reviews the state of relations among the US, the ROK, and the DPRK, in the aftermath of the inspection of the underground site at Kumchangni and US DPRK Policy Coordinator William Perry’s trip to the DPRK. Paik argues that the most realistic approach would be for all sides to accept the minimum gains from the inspection and Perry’s visit. Paik concludes that, given its economic difficulties, the DPRK has no choice but to accept the comprehensive package offered by the US and the ROK.